Named characters

Major entities (proper, common)

FAC

84 the house/The house
72 the Court/the court
69 the room
56 home
45 here
21 there
19 the place/The place
17 the library
15 the hall/The hall
15 the inn

GPE

16 town
14 the village
6 the county
5 there
5 the village of Audley
4 here
4 the town
3 the old place
3 the county of/the County of
3 the place/The place

LOC

36 the world/The world
12 the water
8 the sea
8 this earth
7 the meadows
6 earth
6 the earth
4 the fish - pond
4 the Continent/the continent
4 the universe

PER

440 my lady/My lady/My Lady
138 sir
72 the young man/The young man
71 his wife/His wife
64 the baronet/The baronet
51 his friend/His friend
45 the man/The man
45 his uncle/his Uncle
42 the old man/The old man
42 the boy/The boy

ORG

1 a cavalry regiment
1 the company
1 the dear , lazy machinery of government
1 a respectable school
1 no army
1 the navy

VEH

12 the train/The train
11 the carriage
10 the vessel
7 the vehicle
5 the cab/The cab
4 the first train
3 the Argus
3 a vessel
3 a carriage
3 the ship/The ship

Text

[It]_368-it lay down in [a hollow , rich with fine old timber and luxuriant pastures]_{369-a hollow , rich with fine old timber and luxuriant pastures} ; and [you]_370-you came upon [it]_368-it through [an avenue of limes]_{371-an avenue of limes} , bordered on either side by meadows , over the high hedges of which [the cattle]_{372-the cattle} looked inquisitively at [you]_370-you as [you]_370-you passed , wondering , perhaps , what [you]_370-you wanted ; for there was no thorough - fare , and unless [you]_370-you were going to [the Court]_{373-the court} [you]_370-you had no business [there]_374-there at all . At the end of [this avenue]_{375-this avenue} there was an old arch and [a clock tower]_{376-a clock tower} , with a stupid , bewildering clock , which had only one hand — and which jumped straight from one hour to the next — and was therefore always in extremes . Through this arch [you]_370-you walked straight into [the gardens of [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{377-the gardens of audley court} . [A smooth lawn]_{378-a smooth lawn} lay before [you]_370-you , dotted with groups of rhododendrons , which grew in more perfection here than anywhere else in [the county]_{379-the county} . To the right there were [the kitchen gardens]_{380-the kitchen gardens} , [the fish - pond]_{381-the fish - pond} , and [an orchard bordered by a dry moat]_{382-an orchard bordered by a dry moat} , and a broken ruin of a wall , in some places thicker than [it]_383-it was high , and everywhere overgrown with trailing ivy , yellow stonecrop , and dark moss . To the left there was [a broad graveled walk]_{384-a broad graveled walk} , down which , years ago , when [the place]_{385-the place} had been [a convent]_{386-a convent} , [the quiet nuns]_{387-the quiet nuns} had walked hand in hand ; a wall bordered with espaliers , and shadowed on one side by goodly oaks , which shut out the flat landscape , and circled in [the house]_{388-the house} and [gardens]_389-gardens with a darkening shelter . [The house]_{388-the house} faced the arch , and occupied three sides of [a quadrangle]_{391-a quadrangle} . [It]_{388-the house} was very old , and very irregular and rambling . The windows were uneven ; some small , some large , some with heavy stone mullions and rich stained glass ; others with frail lattices that rattled in every breeze ; others so modern that they might have been added only yesterday . Great piles of chimneys rose up here and there behind the pointed gables , and seemed as if [they]_392-they were so broken down by age and long service that they must have fallen but for the straggling ivy which , crawling up the walls and trailing even over the roof , wound itself about them and supported them . The principal door was squeezed into a corner of [a turret at one angle of [the building]_{394-the building}]_{393-a turret at one angle of the building} , as if [it]_{388-the house} were in hiding from [dangerous visitors]_{395-dangerous visitors} , and wished to keep itself a secret — a noble door for all that — old oak , and studded with great square - headed iron nails , and so thick that the sharp iron knocker struck upon it with a muffled sound , and [the visitor]_{396-the visitor} rung a clanging bell that dangled in a corner among the ivy , lest the noise of the knocking should never penetrate [the stronghold]_{397-the stronghold} . [A glorious old place]_{398-a glorious old place} . [A place that [visitors]_400-visitors fell in raptures with ; feeling a yearning wish to have done with life , and to stay [there]_374-there forever , staring into [the cool fish - ponds]_{402-the cool fish - ponds} and counting the bubbles as the roach and carp rose to the surface of [the water]_{403-the water}]_{399-a place that visitors fell in raptures with ; feeling a yearning wish to have done with life , and to stay there forever , staring into the cool fish - ponds and counting the bubbles as the roach and carp rose to the surface of the water} . [A spot in which peace seemed to have taken up [her]_405-her abode]_{404-a spot in which peace seemed to have taken up her abode} , setting [her]_405-her soothing hand on every tree and flower , on [the still ponds]_{406-the still ponds} and [quiet alleys]_{407-quiet alleys} , [the shady corners of [the old - fashioned rooms]_{409-the old - fashioned rooms}]_{408-the shady corners of the old - fashioned rooms} , the deep window - seats behind the painted glass , [the low meadows]_{410-the low meadows} and [the stately avenues]_{411-the stately avenues} — ay , even upon [the stagnant well , which , cool and sheltered as all else in [the old place]_{413-the old place}]_{412-the stagnant well , which , cool and sheltered as all else in the old place} , hid itself away in a shrubbery behind [the gardens]_{414-the gardens} , with an idle handle that was never turned and a lazy rope so rotten that the pail had broken away from it , and had fallen into [the water]_{403-the water} . [A noble place]_{416-a noble place} ; inside as well as out , [a noble place]_{416-a noble place} — [a house in which [you]_419-you incontinently lost [yourself]_419-you if ever [you]_419-you were so rash as to attempt to penetrate [its]_{418-a house in which you incontinently lost yourself if ever you were so rash as to attempt to penetrate its mysteries alone} mysteries alone]_{418-a house in which you incontinently lost yourself if ever you were so rash as to attempt to penetrate its mysteries alone} ; [a house in which [no one room]_{421-no one room} had any sympathy with another]_{420-a house in which no one room had any sympathy with another} , every chamber running off at a tangent into [an inner chamber]_{422-an inner chamber} , and through that down some narrow staircase leading to a door which , in its turn , led back into that very part of [the house from which [you]_419-you thought [yourself]_419-you the furthest]_{423-the house from which you thought yourself the furthest} ; [a house that could never have been planned by [any mortal architect]_{425-any mortal architect} , but must have been the handiwork of [that good old builder]_{426-that good old builder}]_{424-a house that could never have been planned by any mortal architect , but must have been the handiwork of that good old builder} , Time , who , adding [a room]_{427-a room} one year , and knocking down [a room]_{427-a room} another year , toppling down a chimney coeval with [the Plantagenets]_{429-the plantagenets} , and setting up one in the style of the Tudors ; shaking down a bit of Saxon wall , allowing a Norman arch to stand here ; throwing in a row of high narrow windows in the reign of [Queen Anne]_{145-queen anne} , and joining on [a dining - room]_{430-a dining - room} after the fashion of the time of [Hanoverian George I]_{431-hanoverian george i} , to [a refectory that had been standing since the Conquest]_{432-a refectory that had been standing since the conquest} , had contrived , in some eleven centuries , to run up [such [a mansion]_{434-a mansion} as was not elsewhere to be met with throughout [the county of]_{435-the county of} [Essex]_2-essex]_{433-such a mansion as was not elsewhere to be met with throughout the county of essex} . Of course , in [such a house]_{436-such a house} there were [secret chambers]_{437-secret chambers} ; [the little daughter of [the present owner]_{439-the present owner}]_{438-the little daughter of the present owner} , [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} , had fallen by accident upon the discovery of one . A board had rattled under [her]_{438-the little daughter of the present owner} feet in [the great nursery]_{440-the great nursery} where [she]_{438-the little daughter of the present owner} played , and on attention being drawn to it , it was found to be loose , and so removed , revealed a ladder , leading to a hiding - place between the floor of [the nursery]_{441-the nursery} and the ceiling of [the room below]_{442-the room below} — a hiding - place so small that [[he]_{439-the present owner} who had hid there]_{443-he who had hid there} must have crouched on [his]_{439-the present owner} hands and knees or lain at full length , and yet large enough to contain a quaint old carved oak chest , half filled with [priests]_444-priests ' vestments , which had been hidden away , no doubt , in those cruel days when the life of [a man]_{445-a man} was in danger if [he]_{445-a man} was discovered to have harbored [a Roman Catholic priest]_{446-a roman catholic priest} , or to have mass said in [[his]_{445-a man} house]_{447-his house} . [The broad outer moat]_{448-the broad outer moat} was dry and grass - grown , and the laden trees of [the orchard]_{449-the orchard} hung over [it]_{448-the broad outer moat} with gnarled , straggling branches that drew fantastical shadows upon the green slope . Within [this moat]_{450-this moat} there was , as [I]_0-i have said , [the fish - pond]_{381-the fish - pond} — a sheet of water that extended the whole length of [the garden]_{452-the garden} and bordering which there was [an avenue called the lime - tree walk]_{453-an avenue called the lime - tree walk} ; [an avenue so shaded from the sun and sky , so screened from observation by the thick shelter of the over - arching trees that it seemed [a chosen place for secret meetings]_{455-a chosen place for secret meetings} or for stolen interviews]_{454-an avenue so shaded from the sun and sky , so screened from observation by the thick shelter of the over - arching trees that it seemed a chosen place for secret meetings or for stolen interviews} ; a place in which a conspiracy might have been planned , or [a lover]_{456-a lover} 's vow registered with equal safety ; and yet [it]_{453-an avenue called the lime - tree walk} was scarcely twenty paces from [the house]_{388-the house} . At the end of [this dark arcade]_{458-this dark arcade} there was the shrubbery , where , half buried among the tangled branches and the neglected weeds , stood the rusty wheel of [that old well of which [I]_0-i have spoken]_{459-that old well of which i have spoken} . [It]_{459-that old well of which i have spoken} had been of good service in [its]_{459-that old well of which i have spoken} time , no doubt ; and [busy nuns]_{460-busy nuns} have perhaps drawn the cool water with [their]_{460-busy nuns} own fair hands ; but it had fallen into disuse now , and scarcely [any one at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{461-any one at audley court} knew whether [the spring]_{462-the spring} had dried up or not . But sheltered as was the solitude of [this lime - tree walk]_{463-this lime - tree walk} , [I]_0-i doubt very much if [it]_{463-this lime - tree walk} was ever put to any romantic uses . Often in the cool of the evening [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} would stroll up and down smoking [his]_{146-sir michael} cigar , with [his]_{146-sir michael} dogs at [his]_{146-sir michael} heels , and [[his]_{146-sir michael} pretty young wife]_{464-his pretty young wife} dawdling by [his]_{146-sir michael} side ; but in about ten minutes [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} and [[his]_{146-sir michael} companion]_{466-his companion} would grow tired of the rustling limes and the still water , hidden under the spreading leaves of the water - lilies , and the long green vista with the broken well at the end , and would stroll back to [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} , where [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} played dreamy melodies by [Beethoven]_{147-beethoven} and [Mendelssohn]_{148-mendelssohn} till [[her]_{468-my lady} husband]_{469-her husband} fell asleep in [his]_{469-her husband} easy - chair . [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} was fifty - six years of age , and [he]_{146-sir michael} had married [a second wife]_{470-a second wife} three months after [his]_{146-sir michael} fifty - fifth birthday . [He]_{146-sir michael} was [a big man , tall and stout , with a deep , sonorous voice , handsome black eyes , and a white beard]_{471-a big man , tall and stout , with a deep , sonorous voice , handsome black eyes , and a white beard} — a white beard which made [him]_{146-sir michael} look venerable against [his]_{146-sir michael} will , for [he]_{146-sir michael} was as active as [a boy]_{472-a boy} , and [one of the hardest riders in [the country]_{474-the country}]_{473-one of the hardest riders in the country} . For seventeen years [he]_{146-sir michael} had been [a widower]_{475-a widower} with [an only child]_{476-an only child} , [a daughter]_{477-a daughter} , [Alicia Audley]_149-alicia , now eighteen , and by no means too well pleased at having [a step - mother]_{478-a step - mother} brought [home]_479-home to [the Court]_{373-the court} ; for [Miss Alicia]_149-alicia had reigned supreme in [[[her]_149-alicia father]_{481-her father} 's house]_{482-her father 's house} since [her]_149-alicia earliest childhood , and had carried the keys , and jingled them in the pockets of [her]_149-alicia silk aprons , and lost them in [the shrubbery]_{483-the shrubbery} , and dropped them into [the pond]_{484-the pond} , and given all manner of trouble about them from the hour in which [she]_149-alicia entered [her]_149-alicia teens , and had , on that account , deluded [herself]_149-alicia into the sincere belief , that for the whole of that period , [she]_149-alicia had been keeping [the house]_{388-the house} . But [Miss Alicia]_149-alicia 's day was over ; and now , when [she]_149-alicia asked anything of [the housekeeper]_{486-the housekeeper} , [the housekeeper]_{486-the housekeeper} would tell [her]_149-alicia that [she]_{486-the housekeeper} would speak to [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , or [she]_{486-the housekeeper} would consult [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , and if [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} pleased it should be done . So [[the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's daughter]_{492-the baronet 's daughter} , who was [an excellent horsewoman and a very clever artist]_{493-an excellent horsewoman and a very clever artist} , spent most of [her]_{492-the baronet 's daughter} time out of doors , riding about [the green lanes]_{494-the green lanes} , and sketching [the cottage children]_{495-the cottage children} , and [the plow - boys]_{496-the plow - boys} , and the cattle , and all manner of animal life that came in [her]_{492-the baronet 's daughter} way . [She]_{492-the baronet 's daughter} set [her]_{492-the baronet 's daughter} face with a sulky determination against any intimacy between [herself]_{492-the baronet 's daughter} and [[the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's young wife]_{498-the baronet 's young wife} ; and amiable as [that lady]_{499-that lady} was , [she]_{492-the baronet 's daughter} found it quite impossible to overcome [Miss Alicia]_149-alicia 's prejudices and dislike ; or to convince [the spoilt girl]_{500-the spoilt girl} that [she]_{492-the baronet 's daughter} had not done [her]_{492-the baronet 's daughter} a cruel injury by marrying [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} . The truth was that [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} had , in becoming [the wife of [Sir Michael]_{502-sir michael}]_{501-the wife of sir michael} , made one of those apparently advantageous matches which are apt to draw upon [a woman]_{503-a woman} the envy and hatred of [her]_{503-a woman} sex . [She]_{150-lady audley} had come into [the neighborhood]_{504-the neighborhood} as [a governess in the family of a surgeon in [the village near [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{506-the village near audley court}]_{505-a governess in the family of a surgeon in the village near audley court} . [No one]_{507-no one} knew anything of [her]_{150-lady audley} , except that [she]_{150-lady audley} came in answer to an advertisement which [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} , [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} , had inserted in The Times . [She]_{150-lady audley} came from [London]_3-london ; and the only reference [she]_{150-lady audley} gave was to [a lady at [a school at [Brompton]_4-brompton]_{510-a school at brompton} , where [she]_{150-lady audley} had once been [a teacher]_{511-a teacher}]_{509-a lady at a school at brompton , where she had once been a teacher} . But this reference was so satisfactory that [none other]_{512-none other} was needed , and [Miss Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} was received by [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} as [the instructress of [[his]_{508-the surgeon} daughters]_{515-his daughters}]_{514-the instructress of his daughters} . [Her]_{150-lady audley} accomplishments were so brilliant and numerous , that it seemed strange that [she]_{150-lady audley} should have answered an advertisement offering such very moderate terms of remuneration as those named by [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} ; but [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} seemed perfectly well satisfied with [her]_{150-lady audley} situation , and [she]_{152-miss graham} taught [the girls]_{516-the girls} to play sonatas by [Beethoven]_{147-beethoven} , and to paint from nature after [Creswick]_153-creswick , and walked through [a dull , out - of - the - way village]_{517-a dull , out - of - the - way village} to [the humble little church]_{518-the humble little church} , three times every Sunday , as contentedly as if [she]_{152-miss graham} had no higher aspiration in [the world]_{519-the world} than to do so all the rest of [her]_{152-miss graham} life . People who observed this , accounted for it by saying that it was a part of [her]_{152-miss graham} amiable and gentle nature always to be light - hearted , happy and contented under any circumstances . Wherever [she]_{152-miss graham} went [she]_{152-miss graham} seemed to take joy and brightness with [her]_{152-miss graham} . In the cottages of [the poor]_{520-the poor} [her]_{152-miss graham} fair face shone like a sunbeam . [She]_{152-miss graham} would sit for a quarter of an hour talking to [some old woman]_{521-some old woman} , and apparently as pleased with the admiration of [a toothless crone]_{522-a toothless crone} as if [she]_{152-miss graham} had been listening to the compliments of [a marquis]_{523-a marquis} ; and when [she]_{152-miss graham} tripped away , leaving nothing behind [her]_{152-miss graham} ( for [her]_{152-miss graham} poor salary gave no scope to [her]_{152-miss graham} benevolence ) , [the old woman]_{524-the old woman} would burst out into senile raptures with [her]_{152-miss graham} grace , beauty , and [her]_{152-miss graham} kindliness , such as [she]_{152-miss graham} never bestowed upon [[the vicar]_{525-the vicar} 's wife]_{526-the vicar 's wife} , who half fed and clothed [her]_{152-miss graham} . For [you]_527-you see , [Miss Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} was blessed with that magic power of fascination , by which [a woman]_{503-a woman} can charm with a word or intoxicate with a smile . [Every one]_{529-every one} loved , admired , and praised [her]_{152-miss graham} . [The boy who opened the five - barred gate that stood in [[her]_{152-miss graham} pathway]_{531-her pathway}]_{530-the boy who opened the five - barred gate that stood in her pathway} , ran [home]_479-home to [[his]_{530-the boy who opened the five - barred gate that stood in her pathway} mother]_{533-his mother} to tell of [her]_{152-miss graham} pretty looks , and the sweet voice in which [she]_{152-miss graham} thanked [him]_{530-the boy who opened the five - barred gate that stood in her pathway} for the little service . [The verger at [the church]_{535-the church} , who ushered [her]_{152-miss graham} into [[the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} 's pew]_{537-the surgeon 's pew}]_{534-the verger at the church , who ushered her into the surgeon 's pew} ; [[the vicar]_{525-the vicar} , who saw the soft blue eyes uplifted to [his]_{525-the vicar} face as [he]_{525-the vicar} preached [his]_{525-the vicar} simple sermon]_{539-the vicar , who saw the soft blue eyes uplifted to his face as he preached his simple sermon} ; [the porter from [the railway station]_{541-the railway station} , who brought [her]_{152-miss graham} sometimes a letter or a parcel , and who never looked for reward from [her]_{152-miss graham}]_{540-the porter from the railway station , who brought her sometimes a letter or a parcel , and who never looked for reward from her} ; [[her]_{152-miss graham} employer]_{542-her employer} ; [[his]_{530-the boy who opened the five - barred gate that stood in her pathway} visitors]_{543-his visitors} ; [[her]_{152-miss graham} pupils]_{544-her pupils} ; [the servants]_{545-the servants} ; [everybody , high and low]_{546-everybody , high and low} , united in declaring that [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} was [the sweetest girl that ever lived]_{547-the sweetest girl that ever lived} . Perhaps it was the rumor of this which penetrated into [the quiet chamber of [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{548-the quiet chamber of audley court} ; or , perhaps , it was the sight of [her]_{152-miss graham} pretty face , looking over [[the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} 's high pew]_{550-the surgeon 's high pew} every Sunday morning ; however it was , it was certain that [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} suddenly experienced a strong desire to be better acquainted with [[Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} 's governess]_{551-mr. dawson 's governess} . [He]_{146-sir michael} had only to hint [his]_{146-sir michael} wish to [the worthy doctor]_{552-the worthy doctor} for a little party to be got up , to which [the vicar]_{525-the vicar} and [[his]_{525-the vicar} wife]_{554-his wife} , and [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} and [[his]_{525-the vicar} daughter]_{556-his daughter} , were invited . That one quiet evening sealed [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's fate . [He]_{146-sir michael} could no more resist the tender fascination of those soft and melting blue eyes ; the graceful beauty of that slender throat and drooping head , with its wealth of showering flaxen curls ; the low music of that gentle voice ; the perfect harmony which pervaded every charm , and made all doubly charming in [this woman]_{557-this woman} ; than [he]_{146-sir michael} could resist [his]_{146-sir michael} destiny ! Destiny ! Why , [she]_{557-this woman} was [his]_{146-sir michael} destiny ! [He]_{146-sir michael} had never loved before . What had been [his]_{146-sir michael} marriage with [[Alicia]_149-alicia 's mother]_{558-alicia 's mother} but a dull , jog - trot bargain made to keep some estate in [the family]_{559-the family} that would have been just as well out of it ? What had been [his]_{146-sir michael} love for [[his]_{146-sir michael} first wife]_{560-his first wife} but a poor , pitiful , smoldering spark , too dull to be extinguished , too feeble to burn ? But this was love — this fever , this longing , this restless , uncertain , miserable hesitation ; these cruel fears that [his]_{146-sir michael} age was an insurmountable barrier to [his]_{146-sir michael} happiness ; this sick hatred of [his]_{146-sir michael} white beard ; this frenzied wish to be young again , with glistening raven hair , and a slim waist , such as [he]_{146-sir michael} had twenty years before ; these , wakeful nights and melancholy days , so gloriously brightened if [he]_{146-sir michael} chanced to catch a glimpse of [her]_{557-this woman} sweet face behind the window curtains , as [he]_{146-sir michael} drove past [[the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} 's house]_{562-the surgeon 's house} ; all these signs gave token of the truth , and told only too plainly that , at the sober age of fifty - five , [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} had fallen ill of the terrible fever called love . [I]_0-i do not think that , throughout [his]_{146-sir michael} courtship , [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} once calculated upon [his]_{146-sir michael} wealth or [his]_{146-sir michael} position as reasons for [his]_{146-sir michael} success . If [he]_{146-sir michael} ever remembered these things , [he]_{146-sir michael} dismissed the thought of them with a shudder . It pained [him]_{146-sir michael} too much to believe for a moment that [any one so lovely and innocent]_{564-any one so lovely and innocent} could value [herself]_{564-any one so lovely and innocent} against [a splendid house]_{565-a splendid house} or a good old title . No ; [his]_{146-sir michael} hope was that , as [her]_{557-this woman} life had been most likely one of toil and dependence , and as [she]_{557-this woman} was very young [nobody]_566-nobody exactly knew [her]_{557-this woman} age , but [she]_{557-this woman} looked little more than twenty , [she]_{557-this woman} might never have formed any attachment , and that [he]_{146-sir michael} , being the first to woo [her]_{557-this woman} , might , by tender attentions , by generous watchfulness , by a love which should recall to [her]_{557-this woman} [the father [she]_{557-this woman} had lost]_{567-the father she had lost} , and by a protecting care that should make [him]_{146-sir michael} necessary to [her]_{557-this woman} , win [her]_{557-this woman} young heart , and obtain from [her]_{557-this woman} fresh and earliest love , the promise of [her]_{557-this woman} hand . It was a very romantic day - dream , no doubt ; but , for all that , it seemed in a very fair way to be realized . [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} appeared by no means to dislike [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's attentions . There was nothing whatever in [her]_{152-miss graham} manner that betrayed the shallow artifices employed by [a woman who wishes to captivate [a rich man]_{570-a rich man}]_{569-a woman who wishes to captivate a rich man} . [She]_{152-miss graham} was so accustomed to admiration from every one , high and low , that [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's conduct made very little impression upon [her]_{152-miss graham} . Again , [he]_{465-the baronet} had been so many years [a widower]_{475-a widower} that [people]_572-people had given up the idea of [his]_{465-the baronet} ever marrying again . At last , however , [Mrs. Dawson]_{154-mrs. dawson} spoke to [the governess on the subject]_{573-the governess on the subject} . [[The surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} 's wife]_{575-the surgeon 's wife} was sitting in [the school - room]_{576-the school - room} busy at work , while [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} was putting the finishing touches on some water - color sketches done by [[her]_{152-miss graham} pupils]_{544-her pupils} . " Do [you]_{152-miss graham} know , [[my]_{154-mrs. dawson} dear]_{4626-my dear} [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} , "_{[154-mrs. dawson]} said [Mrs. Dawson]_{154-mrs. dawson} , " [I]_{154-mrs. dawson} think [you]_{152-miss graham} ought to consider [yourself]_{152-miss graham} [a remarkably lucky girl]_{4627-a remarkably lucky girl} ? "_{[154-mrs. dawson]} [The governess]_{578-the governess} lifted [her]_{578-the governess} head from its stooping attitude , and stared wonderingly at [[her]_{578-the governess} employer]_{542-her employer} , shaking back a shower of curls . They were the most wonderful curls in [the world]_{519-the world} — soft and feathery , always floating away from [her]_{578-the governess} face , and making a pale halo round [her]_{578-the governess} head when the sunlight shone through them . " What do [you]_{542-her employer} mean , [[my]_{578-the governess} dear]_{4626-my dear} [Mrs. Dawson]_{154-mrs. dawson} ? "_{[578-the governess]} [she]_{578-the governess} asked , dipping [her]_{578-the governess} camel's - hair brush into the wet aquamarine upon the palette , and poising it carefully before putting in the delicate streak of purple which was to brighten the horizon in [[her]_{578-the governess} pupil]_{581-her pupil} 's sketch . " Why , [I]_{152-miss graham} mean , [[my]_{152-miss graham} dear]_{4626-my dear} , that it only rests with [yourself]_{4626-my dear} to become [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , and [the mistress of [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{4630-the mistress of audley court} . "_{[152-miss graham]} [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} dropped the brush upon the picture , and flushed scarlet to the roots of [her]_{152-miss graham} fair hair ; and then grew pale again , far paler than [Mrs. Dawson]_{154-mrs. dawson} had ever seen [her]_{152-miss graham} before . " [[My]_{508-the surgeon} dear]_{4626-my dear} , do n't agitate [yourself]_{4626-my dear} , "_{[508-the surgeon]} said [[the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} 's wife]_{575-the surgeon 's wife} , soothingly ; " [you]_{4626-my dear} know that [nobody]_566-nobody asks [you]_{4626-my dear} to marry [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} unless [you]_{4626-my dear} wish . Of course it would be a magnificent match ; [he]_{146-sir michael} has a splendid income , and is [one of the most generous of [men]_4634-men]_{4633-one of the most generous of men} . [Your]_{4626-my dear} position would be very high , and [you]_{4626-my dear} would be enabled to do a great deal of good ; but , as [I]_{508-the surgeon} said before , [you]_{4626-my dear} must be entirely guided by [your]_{4626-my dear} own feelings . Only one thing [I]_{508-the surgeon} must say , and that is that if [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's attentions are not agreeable to [you]_{4626-my dear} , it is really scarcely honorable to encourage [him]_{146-sir michael} . "_{[508-the surgeon]} " [His]_{146-sir michael} attentions — encourage [him]_{146-sir michael} ! "_{[152-miss graham]} muttered [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} , as if the words bewildered [her]_{152-miss graham} . " Pray , pray do n't talk to [me]_{152-miss graham} , [Mrs. Dawson]_{154-mrs. dawson} . [I]_{152-miss graham} had no idea of this . It is the last thing that would have occurred to [me]_{152-miss graham} . "_{[152-miss graham]} [She]_{152-miss graham} leaned [her]_{152-miss graham} elbows on the drawing - board before [her]_{152-miss graham} , and clasping [her]_{152-miss graham} hands over [her]_{152-miss graham} face , seemed for some minutes to be thinking deeply . [She]_{152-miss graham} wore a narrow black ribbon round [her]_{152-miss graham} neck , with a locket , or a cross , or a miniature , perhaps , attached to it ; but whatever the trinket was , [she]_{152-miss graham} always kept it hidden under [her]_{152-miss graham} dress . Once or twice , while [she]_{152-miss graham} sat silently thinking , [she]_{152-miss graham} removed one of [her]_{152-miss graham} hands from before [her]_{152-miss graham} face , and fidgeted nervously with the ribbon , clutching at it with a half - angry gesture , and twisting it backward and forward between [her]_{152-miss graham} fingers . " [I]_{152-miss graham} think [some people]_{4635-some people} are born to be unlucky , [Mrs. Dawson]_{154-mrs. dawson} , "_{[152-miss graham]} [she]_{152-miss graham} said , by - and - by ; " it would be a great deal too much good fortune for [me]_{152-miss graham} to become [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_{[152-miss graham]} [She]_{152-miss graham} said this with so much bitterness in [her]_{152-miss graham} tone , that [[the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} 's wife]_{575-the surgeon 's wife} looked up at [her]_{152-miss graham} with surprise . " [You]_{152-miss graham} unlucky , [[my]_{575-the surgeon 's wife} dear]_{4626-my dear} ! "_{[575-the surgeon 's wife]} [she]_{575-the surgeon 's wife} exclaimed . " [I]_{575-the surgeon 's wife} think [you]_{152-miss graham} are [the last person who ought to talk like that]_{4637-the last person who ought to talk like that} — [you]_{152-miss graham} , such [a bright , happy creature]_{4638-a bright , happy creature} , that it does every one good to see [you]_{152-miss graham} . [I]_{575-the surgeon 's wife} 'm sure [I]_{575-the surgeon 's wife} do n't know what [we]_586-we shall do if [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} robs [us]_586-we of [you]_{152-miss graham} . "_{[575-the surgeon 's wife]} After this conversation [they]_586-we often spoke upon the subject , and [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} never again showed any emotion whatever when [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's admiration for [her]_{152-miss graham} was canvassed . It was a tacitly understood thing in [[the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} 's family]_{589-the surgeon 's family} that whenever [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} proposed , [the governess]_{578-the governess} would quietly accept [him]_{146-sir michael} ; and , indeed , [the simple Dawsons]_{156-the simple dawsons} would have thought it something more than madness in [a penniless girl]_{591-a penniless girl} to reject such an offer . So , one misty August evening , [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , sitting opposite to [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} , at a window in [[the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} 's little drawing - room]_{593-the surgeon 's little drawing - room} , took an opportunity while [the family]_{559-the family} happened by some accident to be absent from [the room]_{595-the room} , of speaking upon the subject nearest to [his]_{146-sir michael} heart . [He]_{146-sir michael} made [the governess]_{578-the governess} , in a few but solemn words , an offer of [his]_{146-sir michael} hand . There was something almost touching in the manner and tone in which [he]_{146-sir michael} spoke to [her]_{578-the governess} — half in deprecation , knowing that [he]_{146-sir michael} could hardly expect to be the choice of [a beautiful young girl]_{597-a beautiful young girl} , and praying rather that [she]_{578-the governess} would reject [him]_{146-sir michael} , even though [she]_{578-the governess} broke [his]_{146-sir michael} heart by doing so , than that [she]_{578-the governess} should accept [his]_{146-sir michael} offer if [she]_{578-the governess} did not love [him]_{146-sir michael} . " [I]_{146-sir michael} scarcely think there is a greater sin , [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} , "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} said , solemnly , " than that of [a woman who marries [a man [she]_{578-the governess} does not love]_{4640-a man she does not love} . [You]_{152-miss graham} are so precious to [me]_{146-sir michael} , [[my]_{146-sir michael} beloved]_{4641-my beloved}]_{4639-a woman who marries a man she does not love . you are so precious to me , my beloved} , that deeply as [my]_{146-sir michael} heart is set on this , and bitter as the mere thought of disappointment is to [me]_{146-sir michael} , [I]_{146-sir michael} would not have [you]_{152-miss graham} commit such a sin for any happiness of [mine]_{146-sir michael} . If [my]_{146-sir michael} happiness could be achieved by such an act , which it could not — which it never could , "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} repeated , earnestly—"nothing but misery can result from a marriage dictated by any motive but truth and love . "_{[146-sir michael]} [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} was not looking at [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , but straight out into the misty twilight and dim landscape far away beyond [the little garden]_{598-the little garden} . [The baronet]_{465-the baronet} tried to see [her]_{152-miss graham} face , but [her]_{152-miss graham} profile was turned to [him]_{465-the baronet} , and [he]_{465-the baronet} could not discover the expression of [her]_{152-miss graham} eyes . If [he]_{465-the baronet} could have done so , [he]_{465-the baronet} would have seen a yearning gaze which seemed as if it would have pierced the far obscurity and looked away — away into another world . " [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} , [you]_{152-miss graham} heard [me]_{152-miss graham} ? "_{[152-miss graham]} " Yes , "_{[152-miss graham]} [she]_{152-miss graham} said , gravely ; not coldly , or in any way as if [she]_{152-miss graham} were offended at [his]_{465-the baronet} words . " And [your]_{465-the baronet} answer ? "_{[152-miss graham]} [She]_{152-miss graham} did not remove [her]_{152-miss graham} gaze from [the darkening country side]_{600-the darkening country side} , but for some moments was quite silent ; then turning to [him]_{465-the baronet} , with a sudden passion in [her]_{152-miss graham} manner , that lighted up [her]_{152-miss graham} face with a new and wonderful beauty which [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} perceived even in the growing twilight , [she]_{152-miss graham} fell on [her]_{152-miss graham} knees at [his]_{465-the baronet} feet . " No , [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} ; no , no ! "_{[465-the baronet]} [he]_{465-the baronet} cried , vehemently , " not here , not here ! "_{[465-the baronet]} " Yes , here , here , "_{[152-miss graham]} [she]_{152-miss graham} said , the strange passion which agitated [her]_{152-miss graham} making [her]_{152-miss graham} voice sound shrill and piercing — not loud , but preternaturally distinct ; " here and nowhere else . How good [you]_{152-miss graham} are — how noble and how generous ! Love [you]_{152-miss graham} ! Why , there are [women]_4642-women a hundred times [my]_{152-miss graham} superiors in beauty and in goodness who might love [you]_{152-miss graham} dearly ; but [you]_{152-miss graham} ask too much of [me]_{152-miss graham} ! Remember what [my]_{152-miss graham} life has been ; only remember that ! From [my]_{152-miss graham} very babyhood [I]_{152-miss graham} have never seen anything but poverty . [[My]_{152-miss graham} father]_{4643-my father} was [a gentleman]_{4644-a gentleman} : clever , accomplished , handsome — but poor — and what [a pitiful wretch poverty made of [him]_{4643-my father}]_{4645-a pitiful wretch poverty made of him} ! [[My]_{152-miss graham} mother]_{4646-my mother} — But do not let [me]_{152-miss graham} speak of [her]_{4646-my mother} . Poverty — poverty , trials , vexations , humiliations , deprivations . [You]_{152-miss graham} can not tell ; [you]_{152-miss graham} , who are among those for whom life is so smooth and easy , [you]_{152-miss graham} can never guess what is endured by such as [we]_4647-we . Do not ask too much of [me]_{152-miss graham} , then . [I]_{152-miss graham} can not be disinterested ; [I]_{152-miss graham} can not be blind to the advantages of such an alliance . [I]_{152-miss graham} can not , [I]_{152-miss graham} can not ! "_{[152-miss graham]} Beyond [her]_602-her agitation and [her]_602-her passionate vehemence , there is an undefined something in [her]_602-her manner which fills [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} with a vague alarm . [She]_602-her is still on the ground at [his]_{465-the baronet} feet , crouching rather than kneeling , [her]_602-her thin white dress clinging about [her]_602-her , [her]_602-her pale hair streaming over [her]_602-her shoulders , [her]_602-her great blue eyes glittering in the dusk , and [her]_602-her hands clutching at the black ribbon about [her]_602-her throat , as if it had been strangling [her]_602-her . " Do n't ask too much of [me]_602-her , "_[602-her] [she]_602-her kept repeating ; " [I]_602-her have been selfish from [my]_602-her babyhood . "_[602-her] " [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} — [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} , speak plainly . Do [you]_{465-the baronet} dislike [me]_602-her ? "_[602-her] " Dislike [you]_{465-the baronet} ? No — no ! "_[602-her] " But is there any one else whom [you]_{465-the baronet} love ? "_[602-her] [She]_602-her laughed aloud at [his]_{465-the baronet} question . " [I]_602-her do not love any one in [the world]_{519-the world} , "_[602-her] [she]_602-her answered . [He]_{465-the baronet} was glad of [her]_602-her reply ; and yet that and the strange laugh jarred upon [his]_{465-the baronet} feelings . [He]_{465-the baronet} was silent for some moments , and then said , with a kind of effort : " Well , [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} , [I]_{465-the baronet} will not ask too much of [you]_{152-miss graham} . [I]_{465-the baronet} dare say [I]_{465-the baronet} am [a romantic old fool]_{4649-a romantic old fool} ; but if [you]_{152-miss graham} do not dislike [me]_{465-the baronet} , and if [you]_{152-miss graham} do not love [any one else]_{4650-any one else} , [I]_{465-the baronet} see no reason why [we]_4651-we should not make [a very happy couple]_{4652-a very happy couple} . Is it a bargain , [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} ? "_{[465-the baronet]} " Yes . "_{[465-the baronet]} [The baronet]_{465-the baronet} lifted [her]_602-her in [his]_{465-the baronet} arms and kissed [her]_602-her once upon the forehead , then quietly bidding [her]_602-her good - night , [he]_{465-the baronet} walked straight out of [the house]_{388-the house} . [He]_{465-the baronet} walked straight out of [the house]_{388-the house} , [this foolish old man]_{607-this foolish old man} , because there was some strong emotion at work in [his]_{465-the baronet} breast — neither joy nor triumph , but something almost akin to disappointment — some stifled and unsatisfied longing which lay heavy and dull at [his]_{465-the baronet} heart , as if [he]_{465-the baronet} had carried a corpse in [his]_{465-the baronet} bosom . [He]_{465-the baronet} carried the corpse of that hope which had died at the sound of [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} 's words . All the doubts and fears and timid aspirations were ended now . [He]_{465-the baronet} must be contented , like [other men of [his]_{465-the baronet} age]_{608-other men of his age} , to be married for [his]_{465-the baronet} fortune and [his]_{465-the baronet} position . [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} went slowly up the stairs to [[her]_{152-miss graham} little room]_{609-her little room} at [the top of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{610-the top of the house} . [She]_{152-miss graham} placed [her]_{152-miss graham} dim candle on the chest of drawers , and seated [herself]_{152-miss graham} on the edge of the white bed , still and white as the draperies hanging around [her]_{152-miss graham} . " No more dependence , no more drudgery , no more humiliations , "_{[152-miss graham]} [she]_{152-miss graham} said ; " every trace of the old life melted away — every clew to identity buried and forgotten — except these , except these . "_{[152-miss graham]} [She]_{152-miss graham} had never taken [her]_{152-miss graham} left hand from the black ribbon at [her]_{152-miss graham} throat . [She]_{152-miss graham} drew it from [her]_{152-miss graham} bosom , as [she]_{152-miss graham} spoke , and looked at the object attached to it . It was neither a locket , a miniature , nor a cross ; it was a ring wrapped in an oblong piece of paper — the paper partly written , partly printed , yellow with age , and crumpled with much folding . [He]_{465-the baronet} threw the end of [his]_{465-the baronet} cigar into the water , and leaning [his]_{465-the baronet} elbows upon the bulwarks , stared meditatively at [the waves]_{612-the waves} . " How wearisome they are , "_{[465-the baronet]} [he]_{465-the baronet} said ; " blue and green , and opal ; opal , and blue , and green ; all very well in [their]_{612-the waves} way , of course , but three months of them are rather too much , especially — "_{[465-the baronet]} [He]_{465-the baronet} did not attempt to finish [his]_{465-the baronet} sentence ; [his]_{465-the baronet} thoughts seemed to wander in the very midst of it , and carry [him]_{465-the baronet} a thousand miles or so away . " [Poor little girl]_{4653-poor little girl} , how pleased [she]_{4653-poor little girl} 'll be ! "_{[465-the baronet]} [he]_{465-the baronet} muttered , opening [his]_{465-the baronet} cigar - case , lazily surveying its contents ; " how pleased and how surprised ? [Poor little girl]_{4653-poor little girl} . After three years and a half , too ; [she]_{4653-poor little girl} will be surprised . "_{[465-the baronet]} [He]_{465-the baronet} was [a young man of about five - and - twenty , with dark face bronzed by exposure to the sun]_{613-a young man of about five - and - twenty , with dark face bronzed by exposure to the sun} ; [he]_{465-the baronet} had handsome brown eyes , with a lazy smile in them that sparkled through the black lashes , and a bushy beard and mustache that covered the whole lower part of [his]_{465-the baronet} face . [He]_{465-the baronet} was tall and powerfully built ; [he]_{465-the baronet} wore a loose gray suit and a felt hat , thrown carelessly upon [his]_{465-the baronet} black hair . [His]_{465-the baronet} name was [George Talboys]_157-george , and [he]_{465-the baronet} was [aft - cabin passenger on board [the good ship Argus]_{615-the good ship argus} , laden with Australian wool and sailing from [Sydney]_5-sydney to [Liverpool]_6-liverpool]_{614-aft - cabin passenger on board the good ship argus , laden with australian wool and sailing from sydney to liverpool} . There were [very few passengers]_{616-very few passengers} in [the aft - cabin of [the Argus]_{618-the argus}]_{617-the aft - cabin of the argus} . [An elderly wool - stapler returning to [[his]_{465-the baronet} native country]_{620-his native country} with [[his]_{465-the baronet} wife]_{554-his wife} and [daughters]_{622-daughters} , after having made a fortune in [the colonies]_{623-the colonies}]_{619-an elderly wool - stapler returning to his native country with his wife and daughters , after having made a fortune in the colonies} ; [a governess of three - and - thirty years of age]_{624-a governess of three - and - thirty years of age} , going [home]_479-home to marry [a man to whom [she]_{624-a governess of three - and - thirty years of age} had been engaged fifteen years]_{626-a man to whom she had been engaged fifteen years} ; [the sentimental daughter of [a wealthy Australian wine - merchant]_{628-a wealthy australian wine - merchant} , invoiced to [England]_7-england to finish [her]_{624-a governess of three - and - thirty years of age} education]_{627-the sentimental daughter of a wealthy australian wine - merchant , invoiced to england to finish her education} , and [George Talboys]_157-george , were [the only first - class passengers on board]_{629-the only first - class passengers on board} . [This George Talboys]_157-george was the life and soul of [the vessel]_{630-the vessel} ; [nobody]_566-nobody knew who or what [he]_157-george was , or where [he]_157-george came from , but [everybody]_{632-everybody} liked [him]_157-george . [He]_157-george sat at the bottom of the dinner - table , and assisted [the captain]_{633-the captain} in doing the honors of the friendly meal . [He]_157-george opened the champagne bottles , and took wine with every one present ; [he]_157-george told funny stories , and led the life [himself]_157-george with such a joyous peal that [the man]_{634-the man} must have been [a churl who could not have laughed for pure sympathy]_{635-a churl who could not have laughed for pure sympathy} . [He]_157-george was [a capital hand at speculation and vingt - et - un]_{636-a capital hand at speculation and vingt - et - un} , and all the merry games , which kept the little circle round the cabin - lamp so deep in innocent amusement , that a hurricane might have howled overhead without [their]_637-their hearing it ; but [he]_157-george freely owned that [he]_157-george had no talent for whist , and that [he]_157-george did n't know [a knight from a castle upon the chess - board]_{638-a knight from a castle upon the chess - board} . Indeed , [Mr. Talboys]_157-george was by no means too learned [a gentleman]_{4644-a gentleman} . [The pale governess]_{640-the pale governess} had tried to talk to [him]_157-george about fashionable literature , but [George]_157-george had only pulled [his]_157-george beard and stared very hard at [her]_{640-the pale governess} , saying occasionally , " Ah , yes , by [Jove]_158-jove ! "_[157-george] and " To be sure , ah ! "_[157-george] [The sentimental young lady]_{641-the sentimental young lady} , going [home]_479-home to finish [her]_{641-the sentimental young lady} education , had tried [him]_157-george with [Shelby]_159-shelby and [Byron]_160-byron , and [he]_157-george had fairly laughed in [her]_{641-the sentimental young lady} face , as if poetry were a joke . [The woolstapler]_{643-the woolstapler} sounded [him]_157-george on politics , but [he]_157-george did not seem very deeply versed in [them]_644-them ; so [they]_644-them let [him]_157-george go [his]_157-george own way , smoke [his]_157-george cigars and talk to [the sailors]_{645-the sailors} , lounge over [the bulwarks]_{646-the bulwarks} and stare at [the water]_{403-the water} , and make [himself]_157-george agreeable to [everybody]_{632-everybody} in [his]_157-george own fashion . But when [the Argus]_{618-the argus} came to be within about a fortnight 's sail of [England]_7-england [everybody]_{632-everybody} noticed a change in [George Talboys]_157-george . [He]_157-george grew restless and fidgety ; sometimes so merry that [the cabin]_{651-the cabin} rung with [his]_157-george laughter ; sometimes moody and thoughtful . [Favorite]_161-favorite as [he]_157-george was among [the sailors]_{645-the sailors} , [they]_{645-the sailors} were tired at last of answering [his]_157-george perpetual questions about the probable time of touching [land]_653-land . Would it be in ten days , in eleven , in twelve , in thirteen ? Was the wind favorable ? How many knots an hour was [the vessel]_{630-the vessel} doing ? Then a sudden passion would seize [him]_157-george , and [he]_157-george would stamp upon the deck , crying out that [she]_{630-the vessel} was [a rickety old craft]_{655-a rickety old craft} , and that [[her]_{630-the vessel} owners]_{656-her owners} were [swindlers]_{657-swindlers} to advertise [her]_{630-the vessel} as [the fast - sailing Argus]_{658-the fast - sailing argus} . [She]_{630-the vessel} was not fit for [passenger traffic]_{659-passenger traffic} ; [she]_{630-the vessel} was not fit to carry [impatient living creatures]_{660-impatient living creatures} , with hearts and souls ; [she]_{630-the vessel} was fit for nothing but to be laden with bales of stupid wool , that might rot on [the sea]_{661-the sea} and be none the worse for it . The sun was drooping down behind the waves as [George Talboys]_157-george lighted [his]_157-george cigar upon this August evening . Only ten days more , [the sailors]_{645-the sailors} had told [him]_157-george that afternoon , and [they]_{645-the sailors} would see [the English coast]_{663-the english coast} . " [I]_157-george will go ashore in [the first boat that hails [us]_{645-the sailors}]_{4655-the first boat that hails us} , "_[157-george] [he]_157-george cried ; " [I]_157-george will go ashore in a cockle - shell . By Jove , if it comes to that , [I]_157-george will swim to [land]_653-land . "_[157-george] [[His]_157-george friends in [the aft - cabin]_{665-the aft - cabin}]_{664-his friends in the aft - cabin} , with the exception of [the pale governess]_{640-the pale governess} , laughed at [his]_157-george impatience ; [she]_{640-the pale governess} sighed as [she]_{640-the pale governess} watched [the young man]_{667-the young man} , chafing at the slow hours , pushing away [his]_{667-the young man} untasted wine , flinging [himself]_{667-the young man} restlessly about upon [the cabin sofa]_{668-the cabin sofa} , rushing up and down the companion ladder , and staring at the waves . As the red rim of the sun dropped into the water , [the governess]_{578-the governess} ascended [the cabin stairs]_{670-the cabin stairs} for a stroll on [deck]_671-deck , while [the passengers]_{672-the passengers} sat over [their]_{672-the passengers} wine below . [She]_{640-the pale governess} stopped when [she]_{640-the pale governess} came up to [George]_157-george , and , standing by [his]_157-george side , watched the fading crimson in the western sky . [The lady]_{673-the lady} was very quiet and reserved , seldom sharing in the after - cabin amusements , never laughing , and speaking very little ; but [she]_{673-the lady} and [George Talboys]_157-george had been [excellent friends]_{674-excellent friends} throughout [the passage]_{675-the passage} . " Does [my]_157-george cigar annoy [you]_{162-miss morley} , [Miss Morley]_{162-miss morley} ? "_[157-george] [he]_157-george said , taking it out of [his]_157-george mouth . " Not at all ; pray do not leave off smoking . [I]_157-george only came up to look at the sunset . What a lovely evening ! "_[157-george] " Yes , yes , [I]_157-george dare say , "_[157-george] [he]_157-george answered , impatiently ; " yet so long , so long ! Ten more interminable days and ten more weary nights before [we]_4657-we land . "_[157-george] " Yes , "_{[162-miss morley]} said [Miss Morley]_{162-miss morley} , sighing . " Do [you]_157-george wish the time shorter ? "_{[162-miss morley]} " Do [I]_157-george ? "_[157-george] cried [George]_157-george . " Indeed [I]_157-george do . Do n't [you]_157-george ? "_[157-george] " Scarcely . "_[157-george] " But is there [no one [you]_157-george love in [England]_7-england]_{4658-no one you love in england} ? Is there [no one [you]_157-george love looking out for [your]_157-george arrival]_{4659-no one you love looking out for your arrival} ? "_{[162-miss morley]} " [I]_{162-miss morley} hope so , "_{[162-miss morley]} [she]_{162-miss morley} said gravely . [They]_676-we were silent for some time , [he]_157-george smoking [his]_157-george cigar with a furious impatience , as if [he]_157-george could hasten the course of [the vessel]_{630-the vessel} by [his]_157-george own restlessness ; [she]_{162-miss morley} looking out at the waning light with melancholy blue eyes — eyes that seemed to have faded with poring over closely - printed books and difficult needlework ; eyes that had faded a little , perhaps , by reason of tears secretly shed in the lonely night . " See ! "_[157-george] said [George]_157-george , suddenly , pointing in another direction from that toward which [Miss Morley]_{162-miss morley} was looking , " there 's the new moon ! "_{[162-miss morley]} [She]_{162-miss morley} looked up at [the pale crescent]_{678-the pale crescent} , [her]_{162-miss morley} own face almost as pale and wan . " This is the first time [we]_676-we have seen it . "_{[162-miss morley]} " [We]_676-we must wish ! "_[157-george] said [George]_157-george . " [I]_{162-miss morley} know what [I]_{162-miss morley} wish . "_{[162-miss morley]} " What ? "_{[162-miss morley]} " That [we]_676-we may get [home]_479-home quickly . "_{[162-miss morley]} " [My]_{578-the governess} wish is that [we]_676-we may find no disappointment when [we]_676-we get [there]_374-there , "_{[578-the governess]} said [the governess]_{578-the governess} , sadly . " Disappointment ! "_{[578-the governess]} [He]_157-george started as if [he]_157-george had been struck , and asked what [she]_{162-miss morley} meant by talking of disappointment . " [I]_{162-miss morley} mean this , "_{[162-miss morley]} [she]_{162-miss morley} said , speaking rapidly , and with a restless motion of [her]_{162-miss morley} thin hands ; " [I]_680-i mean that as the end of the voyage draws near , hope sinks in [my]_680-i heart ; and a sick fear comes over [me]_680-i that at the last all may not be well . [The person [I]_680-i go to meet]_{4662-the person i go to meet} may be changed in [his]_{4662-the person i go to meet} feelings toward [me]_680-i ; or [he]_{4662-the person i go to meet} may retain all the old feeling until the moment of seeing [me]_680-i , and then lose it in a breath at sight of [my]_680-i poor wan face , for [I]_680-i was called [a pretty girl]_{4663-a pretty girl} , [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , when [I]_680-i sailed for [Sydney]_5-sydney , fifteen years ago ; or [he]_{4662-the person i go to meet} may be so changed by [the world]_{519-the world} as to have grown selfish and mercenary , and [he]_{4662-the person i go to meet} may welcome [me]_680-i for the sake of [my]_680-i fifteen years ' savings . Again , [he]_{4662-the person i go to meet} may be dead . [He]_{4662-the person i go to meet} may have been well , perhaps , up to within a week of [our]_4665-our landing , and in that last week may have taken a fever , and died an hour before [[our]_4665-our vessel]_{4666-our vessel} anchors in [the Mersey]_{8-the mersey} . [I]_680-i think of all these things , [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , and act the scenes over in [my]_680-i mind , and feel the anguish of them twenty times a day . Twenty times a day , "_[680-i] [she]_680-i repeated ; " why [I]_680-i do it a thousand times a day . "_[680-i] [George Talboys]_157-george had stood motionless , with [his]_157-george cigar in [his]_157-george hand , listening to [her]_680-i so intently that , as [she]_680-i said the last words , [his]_157-george hold relaxed , and the cigar dropped in the water . " [I]_680-i wonder , "_[680-i] [she]_680-i continued , more to [herself]_680-i than to [him]_157-george , " [I]_680-i wonder , looking back , to think how hopeful [I]_680-i was when [the vessel]_{630-the vessel} sailed ; [I]_680-i never thought then of disappointment , but [I]_680-i pictured the joy of meeting , imagining the very words that would be said , the very tones , the very looks ; but for this last month of the voyage , day by day , and hour by hour [my]_680-i heart sinks and [my]_680-i hopeful fancies fade away , and [I]_680-i dread the end as much as if [I]_680-i knew that [I]_680-i was going to [England]_7-england to attend a funeral . "_[680-i] [The young man]_{667-the young man} suddenly changed [his]_{667-the young man} attitude , and turned [his]_{667-the young man} face full upon [[his]_{667-the young man} companion]_{466-his companion} , with a look of alarm . [She]_680-i saw in the pale light that the color had faded from [his]_{667-the young man} cheek . " What [a fool]_{4668-a fool} ! "_{[667-the young man]} [he]_{667-the young man} cried , striking [his]_{667-the young man} clenched fist upon the side of [the vessel]_{630-the vessel} , " what [a fool]_{4668-a fool} [I]_{667-the young man} am to be frightened at this ? Why do [you]_{466-his companion} come and say these things to [me]_{667-the young man} ? Why do [you]_{466-his companion} come and terrify [me]_{667-the young man} out of [my]_{667-the young man} senses , when [I]_{667-the young man} am going straight [home]_479-home to [the woman [I]_{667-the young man} love]_{4671-the woman i love} ; to [a girl whose heart is as true as the light of Heaven]_{4672-a girl whose heart is as true as the light of heaven} ; and in whom [I]_{667-the young man} no more expect to find any change than [I]_{667-the young man} do to see another sun rise in to - morrow 's sky ? Why do [you]_{466-his companion} come and try to put such fancies in [my]_{667-the young man} head when [I]_{667-the young man} am going [home]_479-home to [[my]_{667-the young man} darling wife]_{4674-my darling wife} ? "_{[667-the young man]} " [[Your]_{466-his companion} wife]_{4675-your wife} , "_[684-i] [she]_684-i said ; " that is different . There is no reason that [my]_684-i terrors should terrify [you]_{466-his companion} . [I]_684-i am going to [England]_7-england to rejoin [a man to whom [I]_684-i was engaged to be married fifteen years ago]_{4676-a man to whom i was engaged to be married fifteen years ago} . [He]_{4676-a man to whom i was engaged to be married fifteen years ago} was too poor to marry then , and when [I]_684-i was offered a situation as [governess in [a rich Australian family]_{4678-a rich australian family}]_{4677-governess in a rich australian family} , [I]_684-i persuaded [him]_{4676-a man to whom i was engaged to be married fifteen years ago} to let [me]_684-i accept it , so that [I]_684-i might leave [him]_{4676-a man to whom i was engaged to be married fifteen years ago} free and unfettered to win [his]_{4676-a man to whom i was engaged to be married fifteen years ago} way in [the world]_{519-the world} , while [I]_684-i saved a little money to help [us]_4680-us when [we]_4680-us began life together . [I]_684-i never meant to stay away so long , but things have gone badly with [him]_{4676-a man to whom i was engaged to be married fifteen years ago} in [England]_7-england . That is [my]_684-i story , and [you]_4681-you can understand [my]_684-i fears . [They]_4682-they need not influence [you]_4681-you . [Mine]_684-i is an exceptional case . "_[684-i] " So is [mine]_157-george , "_[157-george] said [George]_157-george , impatiently . " [I]_157-george tell [you]_4681-you that [mine]_157-george is an exceptional case : although [I]_157-george swear to [you]_4681-you that until this moment , [I]_157-george have never known a fear as to the result of [my]_157-george voyage [home]_479-home . But [you]_4681-you are right ; [your]_4681-you terrors have nothing to do with [me]_157-george . [You]_4681-you have been away fifteen years ; all kinds of things may happen in fifteen years . Now it is only three years and a half this very month since [I]_157-george left [England]_7-england . What can have happened in such a short time as that ? "_[157-george] [Miss Morley]_{162-miss morley} looked at [him]_157-george with a mournful smile , but did not speak . [His]_157-george feverish ardor , the freshness and impatience of [his]_157-george nature were so strange and new to [her]_{162-miss morley} , that [she]_{162-miss morley} looked at [him]_157-george half in admiration , half in pity . " [[My]_157-george pretty little wife]_{4684-my pretty little wife} ! [[My]_157-george gentle , innocent , loving little wife]_{4685-my gentle , innocent , loving little wife} ! Do [you]_{162-miss morley} know , [Miss Morley]_{162-miss morley} , "_[157-george] [he]_157-george said , with all [his]_157-george old hopefulness of manner , " that [I]_157-george left [[my]_157-george little girl]_{4686-my little girl} asleep , with [[her]_{4686-my little girl} baby]_{4687-her baby} in [her]_{4686-my little girl} arms , and with nothing but a few blotted lines to tell [her]_{4686-my little girl} why [[her]_{4686-my little girl} faithful husband]_{4688-her faithful husband} had deserted [her]_{4686-my little girl} ? "_[157-george] " Deserted [her]_{4686-my little girl} ! "_{[578-the governess]} exclaimed [the governess]_{578-the governess} . " Yes . [I]_{578-the governess} was [an ensign in [a cavalry regiment]_{4690-a cavalry regiment} when [I]_{578-the governess} first met [[my]_{578-the governess} little darling]_{4691-my little darling}]_{4689-an ensign in a cavalry regiment when i first met my little darling} . [We]_4692-us were quartered at [a stupid [seaport town]_{4694-seaport town} , where [[my]_{578-the governess} pet]_{4695-my pet}]_{4693-a stupid seaport town , where my pet} lived with [[her]_{4691-my little darling} shabby old father]_{4696-her shabby old father} , [a half - pay naval officer]_{4697-a half - pay naval officer} ; [a regular old humbug]_{4698-a regular old humbug} , as poor as [Job]_163-job , and with an eye for nothing but the main chance . [I]_{578-the governess} saw through all [his]_{578-the governess} shallow tricks to catch one of [us]_4692-us for [[his]_{578-the governess} pretty daughter]_{4699-his pretty daughter} . [I]_{578-the governess} saw all the pitiable , contemptible , palpable traps [he]_{578-the governess} set for [us]_4692-us big dragoons to walk into . [I]_{578-the governess} saw through [his]_{578-the governess} shabby - genteel dinners and [public - house port]_{4700-public - house port} ; [his]_{578-the governess} fine talk of the grandeur of [[his]_{578-the governess} family]_{4701-his family} ; [his]_{578-the governess} sham pride and independence , and the sham tears of [his]_{578-the governess} bleared old eyes when [he]_{578-the governess} talked of [[his]_{578-the governess} only child]_{4702-his only child} . [He]_{578-the governess} was [a drunken old hypocrite]_{4703-a drunken old hypocrite} , and [he]_{578-the governess} was ready to sell [[my]_{578-the governess} poor , little girl]_{4704-my poor , little girl} to [the highest bidder]_{4705-the highest bidder} . Luckily for [me]_{578-the governess} , [I]_{578-the governess} happened just then to be [the highest bidder]_{4705-the highest bidder} ; for [[my]_{578-the governess} father]_{4643-my father} , is [a rich man]_{570-a rich man} , [Miss Morley]_{162-miss morley} , and as it was love at first sight on both sides , [[my]_{578-the governess} darling]_{4709-my darling} and [I]_{578-the governess} made a match of it . No sooner , however , did [[my]_{578-the governess} father]_{4643-my father} hear that [I]_{578-the governess} had married [a penniless little girl]_{4711-a penniless little girl} , [the daughter of [a tipsy old half - pay lieutenant]_{4713-a tipsy old half - pay lieutenant}]_{4712-the daughter of a tipsy old half - pay lieutenant} , than [he]_{4643-my father} wrote [me]_{578-the governess} a furious letter , telling [me]_{578-the governess} [he]_{4643-my father} would never again hold any communication with [me]_{578-the governess} , and that [my]_{578-the governess} yearly allowance would stop from [my]_{578-the governess} wedding - day . "_{[578-the governess]} As there was no remaining in such a regiment as [mine]_686-mine , with nothing but [my]_0-i pay to live on , and [[my]_0-i pretty little wife]_{4684-my pretty little wife} to keep , [I]_0-i sold out , thinking that before the money was exhausted , [I]_0-i should be sure to drop into something . [I]_0-i took [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} to [Italy]_9-italy , and [we]_689-we lived [there]_374-there in splendid style as long as [my]_0-i two thousand pounds lasted ; but when that began to dwindle down to a couple of hundred or so , [we]_689-we came back to [England]_7-england , and as [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} had a fancy for being near [that tiresome old father of [hers]_{4709-my darling}]_{692-that tiresome old father of hers} , [we]_689-we settled at [the watering - place where [he]_{692-that tiresome old father of hers} lived]_{693-the watering - place where he lived} . Well , as soon as [the old man]_{694-the old man} heard that [I]_0-i had a couple of hundred pounds left , [he]_{694-the old man} expressed a wonderful degree of affection for [us]_689-we , and insisted on [our]_689-we boarding in [[his]_{694-the old man} house]_{447-his house} . [We]_689-we consented , still to please [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} , who had just then a peculiar right to have every whim and fancy of [her]_{4709-my darling} innocent heart indulged . [We]_689-we did board with [him]_{692-that tiresome old father of hers} , and finally [he]_{692-that tiresome old father of hers} fleeced [us]_689-we ; but when [I]_0-i spoke of it to [[my]_0-i little wife]_{697-my little wife} , [she]_{697-my little wife} only shrugged [her]_{697-my little wife} shoulders , and said [she]_{697-my little wife} did not like to be unkind to [[her]_{697-my little wife} ' poor papa]_{698-her ' poor papa} . ' [So poor papa]_{699-so poor papa} made away with [our]_689-we little stock of money in no time ; and as [I]_0-i felt that it was now becoming necessary to look about for something , [I]_0-i ran up to [London]_3-london , and tried to get a situation as [a clerk in [[a merchant]_{701-a merchant} 's office]_{702-a merchant 's office} , or as [accountant]_{703-accountant} , or [book - keeper]_{704-book - keeper} , or something of that kind]_{700-a clerk in a merchant 's office , or as accountant , or book - keeper , or something of that kind} . But [I]_0-i suppose there was the stamp of [a heavy dragoon]_{705-a heavy dragoon} about [me]_0-i , for do what [I]_0-i would [I]_0-i could n't get [anybody]_706-anybody to believe in [my]_0-i capacity ; and tired out , and down - hearted , [I]_0-i returned to [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} , to find [her]_{4709-my darling} nursing [a son]_{708-a son} and heir to [[his]_{708-a son} father]_{709-his father} 's poverty . [Poor little girl]_{4653-poor little girl} , [she]_{4653-poor little girl} was very low - spirited ; and when [I]_0-i told [her]_{4653-poor little girl} that [my]_0-i [London]_3-london expedition had failed , [she]_{4653-poor little girl} fairly broke down , and burst in to a storm of sobs and lamentations , telling [me]_0-i that [I]_0-i ought not to have married [her]_{4653-poor little girl} if [I]_0-i could give [her]_{4653-poor little girl} nothing but poverty and misery ; and that [I]_0-i had done [her]_{4653-poor little girl} a cruel wrong in making [her]_{4653-poor little girl} [[my]_0-i wife]_{711-my wife} . By heaven ! [Miss Morley]_{162-miss morley} , [her]_{4653-poor little girl} tears and reproaches drove [me]_0-i almost mad ; and [I]_0-i flew into a rage with [her]_{4653-poor little girl} , [myself]_0-i , [[her]_{4653-poor little girl} father]_{481-her father} , [the world]_{519-the world} , and [everybody]_{632-everybody} in [it]_{519-the world} , and then ran out of [the house]_{388-the house} . [I]_0-i walked about [the streets]_{716-the streets} all that day , half out of [my]_0-i mind , and with a strong inclination to throw [myself]_0-i into [the sea]_{661-the sea} , so as to leave [[my]_0-i poor girl]_{718-my poor girl} free to make a better match . ' If [I]_0-i drown [myself]_0-i , [[her]_{4653-poor little girl} father]_{481-her father} must support [her]_{4653-poor little girl} , ' [I]_0-i thought ; ' [the old hypocrite]_{720-the old hypocrite} could never refuse [her]_{4653-poor little girl} a shelter ; but while [I]_0-i live [she]_{4653-poor little girl} has no claim on [him]_{720-the old hypocrite} . ' [I]_0-i went down to [a rickety old wooden pier]_{721-a rickety old wooden pier} , meaning to wait there till it was dark , and then drop quietly over the end of [it]_{721-a rickety old wooden pier} into [the water]_{403-the water} ; but while [I]_0-i sat there smoking [my]_0-i pipe , and staring vacantly at the sea - gulls , [two men]_{723-two men} came down , and one of [them]_{723-two men} began to talk of [the Australian gold - diggings]_{724-the australian gold - diggings} , and the great things that were to be done [there]_374-there . It appeared that [he]_{720-the old hypocrite} was going to sail in a day or two , and [he]_{720-the old hypocrite} was trying to persuade [[his]_{720-the old hypocrite} companion]_{466-his companion} to join [him]_{720-the old hypocrite} in the expedition . " [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} listened to [these men]_{4714-these men} for upward of an hour , following [them]_{4714-these men} up and down [the pier]_{4715-the pier} , with [my]_{720-the old hypocrite} pipe in [my]_{720-the old hypocrite} mouth , and hearing all [their]_{4714-these men} talk . After this [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} fell into conversation with [them]_{4714-these men} [myself]_{720-the old hypocrite} , and ascertained that there was [a vessel]_{4716-a vessel} going to leave [Liverpool]_6-liverpool in three days , by which vessel [one of [the men]_{4718-the men}]_{4717-one of the men} was going out . [This man]_{4719-this man} gave [me]_{720-the old hypocrite} all the information [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} required , and told [me]_{720-the old hypocrite} , moreover , that [a stalwart young fellow]_{4720-a stalwart young fellow} , such as [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} was , could hardly fail to do well in the diggings . The thought flashed upon [me]_{720-the old hypocrite} so suddenly , that [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} grew hot and red in the face , and trembled in every limb with excitement . This was better than the water , at any rate . Suppose [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} stole away from [[my]_{720-the old hypocrite} darling]_{4709-my darling} , leaving [her]_{4709-my darling} safe under [[her]_{4709-my darling} father]_{481-her father} 's roof , and went and made a fortune in [the new world]_{4723-the new world} , and came back in a twelvemonth to throw it into [her]_{4709-my darling} lap ; for [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} was so sanguine in those days that [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} counted on making [my]_{720-the old hypocrite} fortune in a year or so . [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} thanked [the man]_{634-the man} for [his]_{634-the man} information , and late at night strolled homeward . It was bitter winter weather , but [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} had been too full of passion to feel cold , and [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} walked through [the quiet streets]_{4725-the quiet streets} , with the snow drifting in [my]_{720-the old hypocrite} face , and a desperate hopefulness in [my]_{720-the old hypocrite} heart . [The old man]_{694-the old man} was sitting drinking brandy - and - water in [the little dining - room]_{4727-the little dining - room} ; and [[my]_{720-the old hypocrite} wife]_{711-my wife} was up - stairs , sleeping peacefully , with [the baby]_{4729-the baby} on [her]_{711-my wife} breast . [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} sat down and wrote a few brief lines , which told [her]_{711-my wife} that [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} never had loved [her]_{711-my wife} better than now , when [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} seemed to desert [her]_{711-my wife} ; that [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} was going to try [my]_{720-the old hypocrite} fortune in [the new world]_{4723-the new world} , and that if [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} succeeded [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} should come back to bring [her]_{711-my wife} plenty and happiness ; but that if [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} failed [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} should never look upon [her]_{711-my wife} face again . [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} divided the remainder of [our]_4731-our money — something over forty pounds — into two equal portions , leaving one for [her]_{711-my wife} , and putting the other in [my]_{720-the old hypocrite} pocket . [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} knelt down and prayed for [[my]_{720-the old hypocrite} wife]_{711-my wife} and [child]_4733-child , with [my]_{720-the old hypocrite} head upon the white counterpane that covered them . [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} was n't much of [a praying man]_{4734-a praying man} at ordinary times , but [God]_164-god knows that was a heartfelt prayer . [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} kissed [her]_{711-my wife} once , and [the baby]_{4729-the baby} once , and then crept out of [the room]_{595-the room} . [The dining - room]_{4737-the dining - room} door was open , and [the old man]_{694-the old man} was nodding over [his]_{694-the old man} paper . [He]_{694-the old man} looked up as [he]_{694-the old man} heard [my]_{720-the old hypocrite} step in [the passage]_{675-the passage} , and asked [me]_{720-the old hypocrite} where [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} was going . ' To have a smoke in [the street]_{4740-the street} , ' [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} answered ; and as this was a common habit of [mine]_{720-the old hypocrite} [he]_{694-the old man} believed [me]_{720-the old hypocrite} . Three nights after [I]_{720-the old hypocrite} was out at [sea]_4741-sea , bound for [Melbourne]_10-melbourne — [a steerage passenger]_{4742-a steerage passenger} , with [a digger]_{4743-a digger} 's tools for [my]_{720-the old hypocrite} baggage , and about seven shillings in [my]_{720-the old hypocrite} pocket . "_{[720-the old hypocrite]} " And [you]_{720-the old hypocrite} succeeded ? "_{[162-miss morley]} asked [Miss Morley]_{162-miss morley} . " Not till [I]_{162-miss morley} had long despaired of success ; not until poverty and [I]_{162-miss morley} had become [such old companions]_{4744-such old companions} and [bed - fellows]_{4745-bed - fellows} , that looking back at [my]_{162-miss morley} past life , [I]_{162-miss morley} wondered whether [that dashing , reckless , extravagant , luxurious , champagne - drinking dragoon]_{4746-that dashing , reckless , extravagant , luxurious , champagne - drinking dragoon} could have really been [the same man who sat on the damp ground gnawing a moldy crust in [the wilds of [the new world]_{4723-the new world}]_{4748-the wilds of the new world}]_{4747-the same man who sat on the damp ground gnawing a moldy crust in the wilds of the new world} . [I]_{162-miss morley} clung to the memory of [[my]_{162-miss morley} darling]_{4709-my darling} , and the trust that [I]_{162-miss morley} had in [her]_{4709-my darling} love and truth was the one keystone that kept the fabric of [my]_{162-miss morley} past life together — the one star that lit the thick black darkness of the future . [I]_{162-miss morley} was [hail - fellow - well - met with [bad men]_{4752-bad men}]_{4751-hail - fellow - well - met with bad men} ; [I]_{162-miss morley} was in the center of riot , drunkenness , and debauchery ; but the purifying influence of [my]_{162-miss morley} love kept [me]_{162-miss morley} safe from all . Thin and gaunt , the half - starved shadow of what [I]_{162-miss morley} once had been , [I]_{162-miss morley} saw [myself]_{162-miss morley} one day in a broken bit of looking - glass , and was frightened by [my]_{162-miss morley} own face . But [I]_{162-miss morley} toiled on through all ; through disappointment and despair , rheumatism , fever , starvation ; at the very gates of death , [I]_{162-miss morley} toiled on steadily to the end ; and in the end [I]_{162-miss morley} conquered . "_{[162-miss morley]} [He]_727-my was so brave in [his]_727-my energy and determination , in [his]_727-my proud triumph of success , and in the knowledge of the difficulties [he]_727-my had vanquished , that [the pale governess]_{640-the pale governess} could only look at [him]_727-my in wondering admiration . " How brave [you]_727-my were ! "_{[640-the pale governess]} [she]_{640-the pale governess} said . " [Brave]_4753-brave ! "_[727-my] [he]_727-my cried , with a joyous peal of laughter ; " was n't [I]_727-my working for [[my]_727-my darling]_{4709-my darling} ? Through all the dreary time of that probation , [her]_{4709-my darling} pretty white hand seemed beckoning [me]_727-my onward to a happy future ! Why , [I]_727-my have seen [her]_{4709-my darling} under [[my]_727-my wretched canvas tent]_{4755-my wretched canvas tent} sitting by [my]_727-my side , with [[her]_{4709-my darling} boy]_{4756-her boy} in [her]_{4709-my darling} arms , as plainly as [I]_727-my had ever seen [her]_{4709-my darling} in the one happy year of [our]_4757-our wedded life . At last , one dreary foggy morning , just three months ago , with a drizzling rain wetting [me]_727-my to the skin , up to [my]_727-my neck in clay and mire , half - starved , enfeebled by fever , stiff with rheumatism , a monster nugget turned up under [my]_727-my spade , and [I]_727-my was in one minute [the richest man in [Australia]_11-australia]_{4758-the richest man in australia} . [I]_727-my fell down on the wet clay , with [my]_727-my lump of gold in the bosom of [my]_727-my shirt , and , for the first time in [my]_727-my life , cried like [a child]_{4759-a child} . [I]_727-my traveled post - haste to [Sydney]_5-sydney , realized [my]_727-my price , which was worth upward of £ 20,000 , and a fortnight afterward took [my]_727-my passage for [England]_7-england in [this vessel]_{4760-this vessel} ; and in ten days — in ten days [I]_727-my shall see [[my]_727-my darling]_{4709-my darling} . "_[727-my] " But in all that time did [you]_727-my never write to [[your]_727-my wife]_{4675-your wife} ? "_[727-my] " Never , till the night before [I]_729-i left [Sydney]_5-sydney . [I]_729-i could not write when everything looked so black . [I]_729-i could not write and tell [her]_{4675-your wife} that [I]_729-i was fighting hard with despair and death . [I]_729-i waited for better fortune , and when that came [I]_729-i wrote telling [her]_{4675-your wife} that [I]_729-i should be in [England]_7-england almost as soon as [my]_729-i letter , and giving [her]_{4675-your wife} an address at [a coffee - house in [London]_3-london]_{4763-a coffee - house in london} where [she]_{4675-your wife} could write to [me]_729-i , telling [me]_729-i where to find [her]_{4675-your wife} , though [she]_{4675-your wife} is hardly likely to have left [[[her]_{4675-your wife} father]_{481-her father} 's house]_{482-her father 's house} . "_[729-i] [He]_729-i fell into a reverie after this , and puffed meditatively at [his]_729-i cigar . [[His]_729-i companion]_{466-his companion} did not disturb [him]_729-i . The last ray of summer daylight had died out , and the pale light of the crescent moon only remained . [Presently George Talboys]_{165-presently george talboys} flung away [his]_729-i cigar , and turning to [the governess]_{578-the governess} , cried abruptly , " [Miss Morley]_{162-miss morley} , if , when [I]_{578-the governess} get to [England]_7-england , [I]_{578-the governess} hear that anything has happened to [[my]_{578-the governess} wife]_{711-my wife} , [I]_{578-the governess} shall fall down dead . "_{[578-the governess]} " [[My]_{578-the governess} dear]_{4626-my dear} [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , why do [you]_157-george think of these things ? [God]_164-god is very good to [us]_4768-us ; [He]_164-god will not afflict [us]_4768-us beyond [our]_4768-us power of endurance . [I]_{578-the governess} see all things , perhaps , in a melancholy light ; for the long monotony of [my]_{578-the governess} life has given [me]_{578-the governess} too much time to think over [my]_{578-the governess} troubles . "_{[578-the governess]} " And [my]_{578-the governess} life has been all action , privation , toil , alternate hope and despair ; [I]_{578-the governess} have had no time to think upon the chances of anything happening to [[my]_{578-the governess} darling]_{4709-my darling} . What [a blind , reckless fool]_{4770-a blind , reckless fool} [I]_{578-the governess} have been ! Three years and a half and not one line — one word from [her]_{4709-my darling} , or from any mortal creature who knows [her]_{4709-my darling} . [Heaven above]_{4771-heaven above} ! what may not have happened ? "_{[578-the governess]} In the agitation of [his]_732-i mind [he]_732-i began to walk rapidly up and down [the lonely deck]_{733-the lonely deck} , [the governess]_{578-the governess} following , and trying to soothe [him]_732-i . " [I]_732-i swear to [you]_{578-the governess} , [Miss Morley]_{162-miss morley} , "_[732-i] [he]_732-i said , " that till [you]_{578-the governess} spoke to [me]_732-i to - night , [I]_732-i never felt one shadow of fear , and now [I]_732-i have that sick , sinking dread at [my]_732-i heart which [you]_{578-the governess} talked of an hour ago . Let [me]_732-i alone , please , to get over it [my]_732-i own way . "_[732-i] [She]_{578-the governess} drew silently away from [him]_732-i , and seated [herself]_{578-the governess} by the side of [the vessel]_{630-the vessel} , looking over into [the water]_{403-the water} . [George Talboys]_157-george walked backward and forward for some time , with [his]_157-george head bent upon [his]_157-george breast , looking neither to the right nor the left , but in about a quarter of an hour [he]_157-george returned to the spot where [the governess]_{578-the governess} was seated . " [I]_157-george have been praying , "_[157-george] [he]_157-george said—"praying for [[my]_157-george darling]_{4709-my darling} . "_[157-george] [He]_157-george spoke in a voice little above a whisper , and [she]_{578-the governess} saw [his]_157-george face ineffably calm in the moonlight . The same August sun which had gone down behind [the waste of waters]_{738-the waste of waters} glimmered redly upon the broad face of the old clock over that ivy - covered archway which leads into [the gardens of [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{377-the gardens of audley court} . A fierce and crimson sunset . The mullioned windows and twinkling lattices are all ablaze with the red glory ; the fading light flickers upon the leaves of the limes in [the long avenue]_{740-the long avenue} , and changes [the still fish - pond]_{741-the still fish - pond} into a sheet of burnished copper ; even into those dim recesses of brier and brushwood , amidst which [the old well]_{742-the old well} is hidden , the crimson brightness penetrates in fitful flashes till the dank weeds and the rusty iron wheel and broken woodwork seem as if they were flecked with blood . The lowing of a cow in [the quiet meadows]_{743-the quiet meadows} , the splash of a trout in [the fish - pond]_{381-the fish - pond} , the last notes of a tired bird , the creaking of wagon - wheels upon [the distant road]_{745-the distant road} , every now and then breaking the evening silence , only made the stillness of [the place]_{385-the place} seem more intense . It was almost oppressive , this twilight stillness . The very repose of [the place]_{385-the place} grew painful from its intensity , and [you]_748-you felt as if a corpse must be lying somewhere within that gray and ivy - covered pile of building — so deathlike was the tranquillity of all around . As the clock over the archway struck eight , a door at the back of [the house]_{388-the house} was softly opened , and [a girl]_{750-a girl} came out into [the gardens]_{414-the gardens} . But even the presence of [a human being]_{752-a human being} scarcely broke the silence ; for [the girl]_{753-the girl} crept slowly over the thick grass , and gliding into [the avenue]_{754-the avenue} by the side of [the fish - pond]_{381-the fish - pond} , disappeared in the rich shelter of the limes . [She]_{753-the girl} was not , perhaps , positively [a pretty girl]_{4663-a pretty girl} ; but [her]_{753-the girl} appearance was of that order which is commonly called interesting . Interesting , it may be , because in the pale face and the light gray eyes , the small features and compressed lips , there was something which hinted at a power of repression and self - control not common in [a woman of nineteen or twenty]_{757-a woman of nineteen or twenty} . [She]_{753-the girl} might have been pretty , [I]_0-i think , but for the one fault in [her]_{753-the girl} small oval face . This fault was an absence of color . Not one tinge of crimson flushed the waxen whiteness of [her]_{753-the girl} cheeks ; not one shadow of brown redeemed the pale insipidity of [her]_{753-the girl} eyebrows and eyelashes ; not one glimmer of gold or auburn relieved the dull flaxen of [her]_{753-the girl} hair . Even [her]_{753-the girl} dress was spoiled by this same deficiency . The pale lavender muslin faded into a sickly gray , and the ribbon knotted round [her]_{753-the girl} throat melted into the same neutral hue . [Her]_{753-the girl} figure was slim and fragile , and in spite of [her]_{753-the girl} humble dress , [she]_{753-the girl} had something of the grace and carriage of [a gentlewoman]_{758-a gentlewoman} , but [she]_{753-the girl} was only [a simple country girl , called [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , who had been nursemaid in [[Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} 's family]_{760-mr. dawson 's family} , and whom [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} had chosen for [[her]_{150-lady audley} maid]_{761-her maid} after [her]_{150-lady audley} marriage with [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael}]_{759-a simple country girl , called phoebe marks , who had been nursemaid in mr. dawson 's family , and whom lady audley had chosen for her maid after her marriage with sir michael} . Of course , this was a wonderful piece of good fortune for [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , who found [her]_166-phoebe wages trebled and [her]_166-phoebe work lightened in [the well - ordered household at [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{762-the well - ordered household at the court} ; and who was therefore quite as much the object of envy among [[her]_{753-the girl} particular friends]_{764-her particular friends} as [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} [herself]_{468-my lady} to higher circles . [A man , who was sitting on the broken wood - work of the well]_{766-a man , who was sitting on the broken wood - work of the well} , started as [the lady's - maid]_{767-the lady's - maid} came out of the dim shade of the limes and stood before [him]_{766-a man , who was sitting on the broken wood - work of the well} among the weeds and brushwood . [I]_0-i have said before that this was [a neglected spot]_{768-a neglected spot} ; [it]_{768-a neglected spot} lay in the midst of a low shrubbery , hidden away from the rest of [the gardens]_{414-the gardens} , and only visible from the garret windows at the back of [the west wing]_{770-the west wing} . " Why , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_{[634-the man]} said [the man]_{634-the man} , shutting a clasp - knife with which [he]_{634-the man} had been stripping the bark from a blackthorn stake , " [you]_166-phoebe came upon [me]_{634-the man} so still and sudden , that [I]_{634-the man} thought [you]_166-phoebe was an evil spirit . [I]_{634-the man} 've come across through [the fields]_{4773-the fields} , and come in here at the gate agen the moat , and [I]_{634-the man} was taking a rest before [I]_{634-the man} came up to [the house]_{388-the house} to ask if [you]_166-phoebe was come back . "_{[634-the man]} " [I]_166-phoebe can see the well from [[my]_166-phoebe bedroom]_{4775-my bedroom} window , [Luke]_167-luke , "_[166-phoebe] [Phoebe]_166-phoebe answered , pointing to an open lattice in one of [the gables]_{772-the gables} . " [I]_{634-the man} saw [you]_167-luke sitting [here]_4776-here , and came down to have a chat ; it 's better talking out here than in [the house]_{388-the house} , where there 's always [somebody listening]_{4778-somebody listening} . "_{[634-the man]} [The man]_{634-the man} was [a big , broad - shouldered , stupid - looking clod - hopper of about twenty - three years of age]_{774-a big , broad - shouldered , stupid - looking clod - hopper of about twenty - three years of age} . [His]_{634-the man} dark red hair grew low upon [his]_{634-the man} forehead , and [his]_{634-the man} bushy brows met over a pair of greenish gray eyes ; [his]_{634-the man} nose was large and well - shaped , but the mouth was coarse in form and animal in expression . Rosy - cheeked , red - haired , and bull - necked , [he]_{634-the man} was not unlike one of [the stout oxen grazing in [the meadows]_{776-the meadows} round about [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{775-the stout oxen grazing in the meadows round about the court} . [The girl]_{753-the girl} seated [herself]_{753-the girl} lightly upon the wood - work at [his]_{634-the man} side , and put one of [her]_{753-the girl} hands , which had grown white in [her]_{753-the girl} new and easy service , about [his]_{634-the man} thick neck . " Are [you]_{634-the man} glad to see [me]_{753-the girl} , [Luke]_167-luke ? "_{[753-the girl]} [she]_{753-the girl} asked . " Of course [I]_{634-the man} 'm glad , [lass]_4779-lass , "_{[634-the man]} [he]_{634-the man} answered , boorishly , opening [his]_{634-the man} knife again , and scraping away at the hedge - stake . [They]_779-they were [first cousins]_{780-first cousins} , and had been [play fellows]_{781-play fellows} in childhood , and [sweethearts in early youth]_{782-sweethearts in early youth} . " [You]_{634-the man} do n't seem much as if [you]_{634-the man} were glad , "_{[753-the girl]} said [the girl]_{753-the girl} ; " [you]_{634-the man} might look at [me]_{753-the girl} , [Luke]_167-luke , and tell [me]_{753-the girl} if [you]_{634-the man} think [my]_{753-the girl} journey has improved [me]_{753-the girl} . "_{[753-the girl]} " It ai n't put any color into [your]_{753-the girl} cheeks , [[my]_{634-the man} girl]_{4780-my girl} , "_{[634-the man]} [he]_{634-the man} said , glancing up at [her]_{753-the girl} from under [his]_{634-the man} lowering eyebrows ; " [you]_{753-the girl} 're every bit as white as [you]_{753-the girl} was when [you]_{753-the girl} went away . "_{[634-the man]} " But [they]_4781-they say traveling makes [people]_572-people genteel , [Luke]_167-luke . [I]_{753-the girl} 've been on [the Continent]_{4783-the continent} with [[my]_{753-the girl} lady]_{468-my lady} , through all manner of curious places ; and [you]_{634-the man} know , when [I]_{753-the girl} was [a child]_{4759-a child} , [[Squire Horton]_{168-squire horton} 's daughters]_{4786-squire horton 's daughters} taught [me]_{753-the girl} to speak a little French , and [I]_{753-the girl} found it so nice to be able to talk to [the people abroad]_{4787-the people abroad} . "_{[753-the girl]} " [Genteel]_169-genteel ! "_[167-luke] cried [Luke Marks]_167-luke , with a hoarse laugh ; " who wants [you]_{753-the girl} to be genteel , [I]_167-luke wonder ? Not [me]_167-luke , for one ; when [you]_{753-the girl} 're [[my]_167-luke wife]_{711-my wife} [you]_{753-the girl} wo n't have overmuch time for gentility , [[my]_167-luke girl]_{4780-my girl} . French , too ! Dang [me]_167-luke , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , [I]_167-luke suppose when [we]_4790-we 've saved money enough between [us]_4790-we to buy a bit of [a farm]_{4791-a farm} , [you]_{753-the girl} 'll be parleyvooing to the cows ? "_[167-luke] [She]_784-her bit [her]_784-her lip as [[her]_784-her lover]_{785-her lover} spoke , and looked away . [He]_{785-her lover} went on cutting and chopping at a rude handle [he]_{785-her lover} was fashioning to the stake , whistling softly to [himself]_{785-her lover} all the while , and not once looking at [[his]_{785-her lover} cousin]_{786-his cousin} . For some time [they]_787-they were silent , but by - and - by [she]_784-her said , with [her]_784-her face still turned away from [[her]_784-her companion]_{788-her companion} : " What a fine thing it is for [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} that was , to travel with [[her]_{152-miss graham} maid]_{761-her maid} and [[her]_{152-miss graham} courier]_{4793-her courier} , and [her]_{152-miss graham} chariot and four , and [a husband that thinks there is n't one spot upon [all the earth]_{4795-all the earth} that 's good enough for [her]_{152-miss graham} to set [her]_{152-miss graham} foot upon]_{4794-a husband that thinks there is n't one spot upon all the earth that 's good enough for her to set her foot upon} ! "_[784-her] " Ay , it is a fine thing , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , to have lots of money , "_[167-luke] answered [Luke]_167-luke , " and [I]_167-luke hope [you]_166-phoebe 'll be warned by that , [[my]_167-luke lass]_{4796-my lass} , to save up [your]_166-phoebe wages agin [we]_4797-we get married . "_[167-luke] " Why , what was [she]_{152-miss graham} in [[Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} 's house]_{4798-mr. dawson 's house} only three months ago ? "_{[753-the girl]} continued [the girl]_{753-the girl} , as if [she]_{753-the girl} had not heard [[her]_{753-the girl} cousin]_{790-her cousin} 's speech . " What was [she]_{152-miss graham} but [a servant like [me]_{753-the girl}]_{4799-a servant like me} ? Taking wages and working for [them]_4800-them as hard , or harder , than [I]_{753-the girl} did . [You]_167-luke should have seen [her]_{152-miss graham} shabby clothes , [Luke]_167-luke — worn and patched , and darned and turned and twisted , yet always looking nice upon [her]_{152-miss graham} , somehow . [She]_{152-miss graham} gives [me]_{753-the girl} more as [lady's - maid]_{4801-lady's - maid} [here]_4776-here than ever [she]_{152-miss graham} got from [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} then . Why , [I]_{753-the girl} 've seen [her]_{152-miss graham} come out of [the parlor]_{4803-the parlor} with a few sovereigns and a little silver in [her]_{152-miss graham} hand , [that master]_{4804-that master} had just given [her]_{152-miss graham} for [her]_{152-miss graham} quarter 's salary ; and now look at [her]_{152-miss graham} ! "_{[753-the girl]} " Never [you]_{152-miss graham} mind [her]_{152-miss graham} , "_[167-luke] said [Luke]_167-luke ; " take care of [yourself]_{152-miss graham} , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe ; that 's all [you]_{152-miss graham} 've got to do . What should [you]_{152-miss graham} say to [a public - house for [you]_{152-miss graham} and [me]_167-luke]_{4805-a public - house for you and me} , by - and - by , [[my]_167-luke girl]_{4780-my girl} ? There 's a deal of money to be made out of [a public - house]_{4807-a public - house} . "_[167-luke] [The girl]_{753-the girl} still sat with [her]_{753-the girl} face averted from [[her]_{753-the girl} lover]_{785-her lover} , [her]_{753-the girl} hands hanging listlessly in [her]_{753-the girl} lap , and [her]_{753-the girl} pale gray eyes fixed upon the last low streak of crimson dying out behind the trunks of the trees . " [You]_167-luke should see the inside of [the house]_{388-the house} , [Luke]_167-luke , "_{[753-the girl]} [she]_{753-the girl} said ; " [it]_{388-the house} 's [a tumbledown looking place enough outside]_{4809-a tumbledown looking place enough outside} ; but [you]_167-luke should see [[[my]_{753-the girl} lady]_{468-my lady} 's rooms]_{4811-my lady 's rooms} — all pictures and gilding , and great looking - glasses that stretch from the ceiling to the floor . Painted ceilings , too , that cost hundreds of pounds , [the housekeeper]_{486-the housekeeper} told [her]_{486-the housekeeper} , and all done for [her]_{486-the housekeeper} . "_{[753-the girl]} " [She]_{486-the housekeeper} 's [a lucky one]_{4813-a lucky one} , "_[167-luke] muttered [Luke]_167-luke , with lazy indifference . " [You]_167-luke should have seen [her]_{486-the housekeeper} while [we]_4814-we were abroad , with [a crowd of [gentlemen]_{4816-gentlemen}]_{4815-a crowd of gentlemen} hanging about [her]_{486-the housekeeper} ; [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} not jealous of [them]_{4815-a crowd of gentlemen} , only proud to see [her]_{486-the housekeeper} so much admired . [You]_167-luke should have heard [her]_{486-the housekeeper} laugh and talk with [them]_{4815-a crowd of gentlemen} ; throwing all [their]_{4815-a crowd of gentlemen} compliments and fine speeches back at [them]_{4815-a crowd of gentlemen} , as it were , as if [they]_{4815-a crowd of gentlemen} had been pelting [her]_{486-the housekeeper} with roses . [She]_{486-the housekeeper} set [everybody]_{632-everybody} mad about [her]_{486-the housekeeper} , wherever [she]_{486-the housekeeper} went . [Her]_{486-the housekeeper} singing , [her]_{486-the housekeeper} playing , [her]_{486-the housekeeper} painting , [her]_{486-the housekeeper} dancing , [her]_{486-the housekeeper} beautiful smile , and sunshiny ringlets ! [She]_{486-the housekeeper} was always the talk of [a place]_{4818-a place} , as long as [we]_4819-we stayed in [it]_{4818-a place} . "_[167-luke] " Is [she]_{486-the housekeeper} at [home]_479-home to - night ? "_{[753-the girl]} " No ; [she]_{486-the housekeeper} has gone out with [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} to a dinner party at [the Beeches]_{12-the beeches} . [They]_4821-they 've seven or eight miles to drive , and [they]_4821-they wo n't be back till after eleven . "_{[753-the girl]} " Then [I]_167-luke 'll tell [you]_4822-you what , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , if the inside of [the house]_{388-the house} is so mighty fine , [I]_167-luke should like to have a look at [it]_{388-the house} . "_[167-luke] " [You]_4822-you shall , then . [Mrs. Barton]_{170-mrs. barton} , [the housekeeper]_{486-the housekeeper} , knows [you]_4822-you by sight , and [she]_{486-the housekeeper} ca n't object to [my]_{753-the girl} showing [you]_4822-you [some of [the best rooms]_{4826-the best rooms}]_{4825-some of the best rooms} . "_{[753-the girl]} It was almost dark when [the cousins]_{793-the cousins} left [the shrubbery]_{483-the shrubbery} and walked slowly to [the house]_{388-the house} . The door by which [they]_{793-the cousins} entered led into [[the servants]_{545-the servants} ' hall]_{797-the servants ' hall} , on one side of which was [[the housekeeper]_{486-the housekeeper} 's room]_{799-the housekeeper 's room} . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe stopped for a moment to ask [the housekeeper]_{486-the housekeeper} if [she]_{486-the housekeeper} might take [[her]_{486-the housekeeper} cousin]_{790-her cousin} through [some of [the rooms]_{803-the rooms}]_{802-some of the rooms} , and having received permission to do so , lighted a candle at the lamp in [the hall]_{804-the hall} , and beckoned to [Luke]_167-luke to follow [her]_166-phoebe into [the other part of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{805-the other part of the house} . [The long , black oak corridors]_{807-the long , black oak corridors} were dim in the ghostly twilight — the light carried by [Phoebe]_166-phoebe looking only a poor speck in the broad passages through which [the girl]_{753-the girl} led [[her]_{753-the girl} cousin]_{790-her cousin} . [Luke]_167-luke looked suspiciously over [his]_167-luke shoulder now and then , half - frightened by the creaking of [his]_167-luke own hob - nailed boots . " It 's [a mortal dull place]_{4827-a mortal dull place} , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_[167-luke] [he]_167-luke said , as [they]_810-they emerged from [a passage]_{811-a passage} into [the principal hall , which was not yet lighted]_{812-the principal hall , which was not yet lighted} ; " [I]_167-luke 've heard tell of a murder that was done [here]_4776-here in old times . "_[167-luke] " There are murders enough in these times , as to that , [Luke]_167-luke , "_{[753-the girl]} answered [the girl]_{753-the girl} , ascending the staircase , followed by [the young man]_{667-the young man} . [She]_{753-the girl} led the way through [a great drawing - room]_{815-a great drawing - room} , rich in satin and ormolu , buhl and inlaid cabinets , bronzes , cameos , statuettes , and trinkets , that glistened in the dusky light ; then through [a morning room]_{816-a morning room} , hung with proof engravings of valuable pictures ; through this into [an ante - chamber , where [she]_{753-the girl} stopped , holding the light above [her]_{753-the girl} head]_{817-an ante - chamber , where she stopped , holding the light above her head} . [The young man]_{667-the young man} stared about [him]_{667-the young man} , open - mouthed and open - eyed . " [It]_4776-here 's [a rare fine place]_{4829-a rare fine place} , "_{[667-the young man]} [he]_{667-the young man} said , " and must have cost a heap of money . "_{[667-the young man]} " Look at the pictures on the walls , "_[166-phoebe] said [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , glancing at the panels of [the octagonal chamber]_{819-the octagonal chamber} , which were hung with Claudes and Poussins , [Wouvermans]_{171-wouvermans} and [Cuyps]_172-cuyps . " [I]_{753-the girl} 've heard that those alone are worth a fortune . This is the entrance to [[[my]_{753-the girl} lady]_{468-my lady} 's apartments]_{4831-my lady 's apartments} , [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} that was . "_{[753-the girl]} [She]_{753-the girl} lifted a heavy green cloth curtain which hung across a doorway , and led [the astonished countryman]_{820-the astonished countryman} into a fairy - like boudoir , and thence to [a dressing - room]_{821-a dressing - room} , in which the open doors of a wardrobe and a heap of dresses flung about a sofa showed that [it]_822-it still remained exactly as [[its]_822-it occupants]_{823-its occupants} had left [it]_822-it . " [I]_{790-her cousin} 've got all these things to put away before [[my]_{790-her cousin} lady]_{468-my lady} comes [home]_479-home , [Luke]_167-luke ; [you]_167-luke might sit down here while [I]_{790-her cousin} do it , [I]_{790-her cousin} sha n't be long . "_{[790-her cousin]} [[Her]_{753-the girl} cousin]_{790-her cousin} looked around in gawky embarrassment , bewildered by the splendor of [the room]_{595-the room} ; and after some deliberation selected the most substantial of the chairs , on the extreme edge of which [he]_{790-her cousin} carefully seated [himself]_{790-her cousin} . " [I]_{753-the girl} wish [I]_{753-the girl} could show [you]_167-luke the jewels , [Luke]_167-luke , "_{[753-the girl]} said [the girl]_{753-the girl} ; " but [I]_{753-the girl} ca n't , for [she]_{753-the girl} always keeps the keys [herself]_{753-the girl} ; that 's the case on the dressing - table there . "_{[753-the girl]} " What , that ? "_[167-luke] cried [Luke]_167-luke , staring at the massive walnut - wood and brass inlaid casket . " Why , that 's big enough to hold every bit of clothes [I]_167-luke 've got ! "_[167-luke] " And it 's as full as it can be of diamonds , rubies , pearls and emeralds , "_[166-phoebe] answered [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , busy as [she]_166-phoebe spoke in folding the rustling silk dresses , and laying them one by one upon the shelves of [the wardrobe]_{827-the wardrobe} . As [she]_166-phoebe was shaking out the flounces of the last , a jingling sound caught [her]_166-phoebe ear , and [she]_166-phoebe put [her]_166-phoebe hand into the pocket . " [I]_166-phoebe declare ! "_[166-phoebe] [she]_166-phoebe exclaimed , " [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} has left [her]_{468-my lady} keys in [her]_{468-my lady} pocket for once in a way ; [I]_166-phoebe can show [you]_828-he the jewelry , if [you]_828-he like , [Luke]_167-luke . "_[166-phoebe] " Well , [I]_828-he may as well have a look at it , [[my]_828-he girl]_{4780-my girl} , "_[828-he] [he]_828-he said , rising from [his]_828-he chair and holding the light while [[his]_828-he cousin]_{786-his cousin} unlocked the casket . [He]_828-he uttered a cry of wonder when [he]_828-he saw the ornaments glittering on white satin cushions . [He]_828-he wanted to handle the delicate jewels ; to pull them about , and find out their mercantile value . Perhaps a pang of longing and envy shot through [his]_828-he heart as [he]_828-he thought how [he]_828-he would have liked to have taken one of them . " Why , one of those diamond things would set [us]_4836-us up in life , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , [he]_828-he said , turning a bracelet over and over in [his]_828-he big red hands . "_[167-luke] Put it down , [Luke]_167-luke ! Put it down directly ! " cried [the girl]_{753-the girl} , with a look of terror ; "_[167-luke] how can [you]_828-he speak about such things ? " [He]_828-he laid the bracelet in its place with a reluctant sigh , and then continued [his]_828-he examination of the casket . "_[828-he] What 's this ? " [he]_828-he asked presently , pointing to a brass knob in the frame - work of the box . [He]_828-he pushed it as [he]_828-he spoke , and a secret drawer , lined with purple velvet , flew out of the casket . "_[828-he] Look [ye]_{786-his cousin} here ! " cried [Luke]_167-luke , pleased at [his]_167-luke discovery . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe threw down the dress [she]_166-phoebe had been folding , and went over to the toilette table . "_[828-he] Why , [I]_0-i never saw this before , " [she]_166-phoebe said ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i wonder what there is in it ? " There was not much in it ; neither gold nor gems ; only [a baby]_{4838-a baby} 's little worsted shoe rolled up in a piece of paper , and a tiny lock of pale and silky yellow hair , evidently taken from [a baby]_{4838-a baby} 's head . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's eyes dilated as [she]_166-phoebe examined the little packet . "_[0-i] So this is what [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} hides in the secret drawer , " [she]_166-phoebe muttered . "_{[468-my lady]} It 's queer rubbish to keep in such a place , " said [Luke]_167-luke , carelessly . [The girl]_{753-the girl} 's thin lip curved into a curious smile . "_[831-you] [You]_831-you will bear [me]_0-i witness where [I]_0-i found this , " [she]_166-phoebe said , putting the little parcel into [her]_166-phoebe pocket . "_[831-you] Why , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , [you]_166-phoebe 're not going to be such [a fool as to take that]_{832-a fool as to take that} , " cried [the young man]_{667-the young man} . "_[166-phoebe] [I]_0-i 'd rather have this than the diamond bracelet [you]_831-you would have liked to take , " [she]_166-phoebe answered ; "_[831-you] [you]_831-you shall have [the public house]_{833-the public house} , [Luke]_167-luke . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert was supposed to be [a barrister]_{4842-a barrister} . As [a barrister]_{4842-a barrister} was [his]_173-robert name inscribed in the law - list ; as [a barrister]_{4842-a barrister} [he]_173-robert had chambers in [Figtree Court , Temple]_{13-figtree court , temple} ; as [a barrister]_{4842-a barrister} [he]_173-robert had eaten the allotted number of dinners , which form the sublime ordeal through which [the forensic aspirant]_{4846-the forensic aspirant} wades on to fame and fortune . If these things can make [a man]_{445-a man} [a barrister]_{4842-a barrister} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert decidedly was one . But [he]_173-robert had never either had a brief , or tried to get a brief , or even wished to have a brief in all those five years , during which [his]_173-robert name had been painted upon one of the doors in [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} . [He]_173-robert was [a handsome , lazy , care - for - nothing fellow , of about seven - and - twenty]_{4849-a handsome , lazy , care - for - nothing fellow , of about seven - and - twenty} ; [the only son of [a younger brother of [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael}]_{4851-a younger brother of sir michael audley}]_{4850-the only son of a younger brother of sir michael audley} . [[His]_173-robert father]_{709-his father} had left [him]_173-robert £ 400 a year , which [[his]_173-robert friends]_{4853-his friends} had advised [him]_173-robert to increase by being called to the bar ; and as [he]_173-robert found it , after due consideration , more trouble to oppose the wishes of [these friends]_{4854-these friends} than to eat so many dinners , and to take [a set of chambers in [the Temple]_{4856-the temple}]_{4855-a set of chambers in the temple} , [he]_173-robert adopted the latter course , and unblushingly called [himself]_173-robert [a barrister]_{4842-a barrister} . Sometimes , when the weather was very hot , and [he]_173-robert had exhausted [himself]_173-robert with the exertion of smoking [his]_173-robert German pipe , and reading French novels , [he]_173-robert would stroll into [the Temple Gardens]_{15-the temple gardens} , and lying in some shady spot , pale and cool , with [his]_173-robert shirt collar turned down and a blue silk handkerchief tied loosely about [his]_173-robert neck , would tell [grave benchers]_{4858-grave benchers} that [he]_173-robert had knocked [himself]_173-robert up with over work . [The sly old benchers]_{4859-the sly old benchers} laughed at the pleasant fiction ; but [they]_{4859-the sly old benchers} all agreed that [Robert Audley]_173-robert was [a good fellow]_{4860-a good fellow} ; [a generous - hearted fellow]_{4861-a generous - hearted fellow} ; rather [a curious fellow]_{4862-a curious fellow} , too , with a fund of sly wit and quiet humor , under [his]_173-robert listless , dawdling , indifferent , irresolute manner . [A man who would never get on in [the world]_{519-the world}]_{4863-a man who would never get on in the world} ; but who would not hurt a worm . Indeed , [[his]_173-robert chambers]_{4865-his chambers} were converted into [a perfect dog - kennel]_{4866-a perfect dog - kennel} , by [his]_173-robert habit of bringing home stray and benighted curs , who were attracted by [his]_173-robert looks in [the street]_{4740-the street} , and followed [him]_173-robert with abject fondness . [Robert]_173-robert always spent the hunting season at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} ; not that [he]_173-robert was distinguished as [a Nimrod]_{4868-a nimrod} , for [he]_173-robert would quietly trot to covert upon [a mild - tempered , stout - limbed bay hack]_{4869-a mild - tempered , stout - limbed bay hack} , and keep at a very respectful distance from [the hard riders]_{4870-the hard riders} ; [his]_173-robert horse knowing quite as well as [he]_173-robert did , that nothing was further from [his]_173-robert thoughts than any desire to be in at the death . [The young man]_{667-the young man} was a great favorite with [[his]_{667-the young man} uncle]_{4872-his uncle} , and by no means despised by [[his]_{667-the young man} pretty , gipsy - faced , light - hearted , hoydenish cousin]_{4873-his pretty , gipsy - faced , light - hearted , hoydenish cousin} , [Miss Alicia Audley]_149-alicia . It might have seemed to [other men]_{4874-other men} , that the partiality of [a young lady who was sole heiress to [a very fine estate]_{4876-a very fine estate}]_{4875-a young lady who was sole heiress to a very fine estate} , was rather well worth cultivating , but it did not so occur to [Robert Audley]_173-robert . [Alicia]_149-alicia was [a very nice girl]_{4877-a very nice girl} , [he]_173-robert said , [a jolly girl]_{4878-a jolly girl} , with no nonsense about [her]_149-alicia — [a girl of a thousand]_{4879-a girl of a thousand} ; but this was the highest point to which enthusiasm could carry [him]_173-robert . The idea of turning [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} 's girlish liking for [him]_173-robert to some good account never entered [his]_173-robert idle brain . [I]_167-luke doubt if [he]_173-robert even had any correct notion of the amount of [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's fortune , and [I]_167-luke am certain that [he]_173-robert never for one moment calculated upon the chances of any part of that fortune ultimately coming to [himself]_173-robert . So that when , one fine spring morning , about three months before the time of which [I]_167-luke am writing , [the postman]_{4882-the postman} brought [him]_173-robert the wedding cards of [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} and [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , together with a very indignant letter from [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} , setting forth how [[her]_{786-his cousin} father]_{481-her father} had just married [a wax - dollish young person , no older than [Alicia]_149-alicia [herself]_149-alicia]_{4885-a wax - dollish young person , no older than alicia herself} , with flaxen ringlets , and a perpetual giggle ; for [I]_167-luke am sorry to say that [Miss Audley]_149-alicia 's animus caused [her]_149-alicia thus to describe that pretty musical laugh which had been so much admired in [the late Miss Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} — when , [I]_167-luke say , these documents reached [Robert Audley]_173-robert — they elicited neither vexation nor astonishment in the lymphatic nature of [that gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} . [He]_173-robert read [Alicia]_149-alicia 's angry crossed and recrossed letter without so much as removing the amber mouth - piece of [his]_173-robert German pipe from [his]_173-robert mustached lips . When [he]_173-robert had finished the perusal of the epistle , which [he]_173-robert read with [his]_173-robert dark eyebrows elevated to the center of [his]_173-robert forehead ( [his]_173-robert only manner of expressing surprise , by the way ) [he]_173-robert deliberately threw that and the wedding cards into the waste - paper basket , and putting down [his]_173-robert pipe , prepared [himself]_173-robert for the exertion of thinking out the subject . "_[167-luke] [I]_0-i always said [the old buffer]_{834-the old buffer} would marry , " [he]_173-robert muttered , after about half an hour 's revery . [Alicia]_149-alicia and [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , [the stepmother]_{4888-the stepmother} , will go at it hammer and tongs . [I]_0-i hope [they]_4889-they wo n't quarrel in the hunting season , or say unpleasant things to [each other]_{4890-each other} at the dinner - table ; rows always upset [a man]_{445-a man} 's digestion . At about twelve o'clock on the morning following that night upon which the events recorded in [my]_0-i last chapter had taken place , [[the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's nephew]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew} strolled out of [the Temple]_{4856-the temple} , [Blackfriarsward]_{16-blackfriarsward} , on [his]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew} way to [the city]_{4895-the city} . [He]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew} had in an evil hour obliged [some necessitous friend]_{4896-some necessitous friend} by putting the ancient name of [Audley]_{150-lady audley} across a bill of accommodation , which bill not having been provided for by [the drawer]_{4897-the drawer} , [Robert]_173-robert was called upon to pay . For this purpose [he]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew} sauntered up [Ludgate Hill]_{17-ludgate hill} , with [his]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew} blue necktie fluttering in the hot August air , and thence to [a refreshingly cool banking - house in [a shady court out of [St. Paul 's churchyard]_{4900-st. paul 's churchyard}]_{4899-a shady court out of st. paul 's churchyard}]_{4898-a refreshingly cool banking - house in a shady court out of st. paul 's churchyard} , where [he]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew} made arrangements for selling out a couple of hundred pounds ' worth of consols . [He]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew} had transacted this business , and was loitering at the corner of [the court]_{373-the court} , waiting for a chance hansom to convey [him]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew} back to [the Temple]_{4856-the temple} , when [he]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew} was almost knocked down by [a man of about [his]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew} own age]_{4903-a man of about his own age} , who dashed headlong into the narrow opening . "_[0-i] Be so good as to look where [you]_835-you 're going , [[my]_0-i friend]_{836-my friend} ! " [Robert]_173-robert remonstrated , mildly , to [the impetuous passenger]_{4904-the impetuous passenger} ; "_[835-you] [you]_835-you might give [a man]_{445-a man} warning before [you]_835-you throw [him]_{445-a man} down and trample upon [him]_{445-a man} . " [The stranger]_{4905-the stranger} stopped suddenly , looked very hard at [the speaker]_{4906-the speaker} , and then gasped for breath . "_[174-bob] [Bob]_174-bob ! " [he]_0-i cried , in a tone expressive of the most intense astonishment ; "_[174-bob] [I]_0-i only touched [British ground]_{838-british ground} after dark last night , and to think that [I]_0-i should meet [you]_174-bob this morning . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've seen [you]_174-bob somewhere before , [[my]_0-i bearded friend]_{839-my bearded friend} , " said [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , calmly scrutinizing the animated face of [the other]_{4907-the other} , "_[174-bob] but [I]_0-i 'll be hanged if [I]_0-i can remember when or where . " "_[0-i] What ! " exclaimed [the stranger]_{4905-the stranger} , reproachfully . "_[0-i] [You]_174-bob do n't mean to say that [you]_174-bob 've forgotten [George Talboys]_157-george ? " "_[174-bob] No [I]_0-i have not ! " said [Robert]_173-robert , with an emphasis by no means usual to [him]_173-robert ; and then hooking [his]_173-robert arm into that of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} , [he]_173-robert led [him]_{4909-his friend} into [the shady court]_{4910-the shady court} , saying , with [his]_173-robert old indifference , "_[157-george] and now , [George]_157-george tell [us]_840-us all about it . " [George Talboys]_157-george did tell [him]_157-george all about it . [He]_157-george told that very story which [he]_157-george had related ten days before to [the pale governess on board [the Argus]_{618-the argus}]_{4911-the pale governess on board the argus} ; and then , hot and breathless , [he]_157-george said that [he]_157-george had twenty thousand pounds or so in [his]_157-george pocket , and that [he]_157-george wanted to bank it at [Messrs.]_18-messrs. — — , who had been [[his]_157-george bankers]_{4913-his bankers} many years before . "_[157-george] If [you]_841-you 'll believe [me]_0-i , [I]_0-i 've only just left [[their]_842-their counting - house]_{843-their counting - house} , " said [Robert]_173-robert . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll go back with [you]_841-you , and [we]_844-they 'll settle that matter in five minutes . " [They]_844-they did contrive to settle it in about a quarter of an hour ; and then [Robert Audley]_173-robert was for starting off immediately for the Crown and Scepter , at [Greenwich]_19-greenwich , or [the Castle]_{4914-the castle} , at [Richmond]_20-richmond , where [they]_844-they could have a bit of dinner , and talk over those good old times when [they]_844-they were together at [Eton]_21-eton . But [George]_157-george told [[his]_157-george friend]_{4909-his friend} that before [he]_157-george went anywhere , before [he]_157-george shaved or broke [his]_157-george fast , or in any way refreshed [himself]_157-george after a night journey from [Liverpool]_6-liverpool by [express train]_{4916-express train} , [he]_157-george must call at [a certain coffee - house in [Bridge street]_{22-bridge street}]_{4917-a certain coffee - house in bridge street} , [Westminster]_{23-westminster} , where [he]_157-george expected to find a letter from [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} . As [they]_4919-they dashed through [Ludgate Hill]_{17-ludgate hill} , [Fleet street]_{24-fleet street} , and [the Strand]_{4920-the strand} , in a fast hansom , [George Talboys]_157-george poured into [[his]_157-george friend]_{4909-his friend} 's ear all those wild hopes and dreams which had usurped such a dominion over [his]_157-george sanguine nature . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i shall take [a villa on [the banks of [the Thames]_{25-the thames}]_{846-the banks of the thames}]_{845-a villa on the banks of the thames} , [Bob]_174-bob , " [he]_0-i said , "_[174-bob] for [the little wife]_{847-the little wife} and [myself]_0-i ; and [we]_848-we 'll have [a yacht]_{849-a yacht} , [Bob]_174-bob , [old boy]_{850-old boy} , and [you]_174-bob shall lie on [the deck]_{851-the deck} and smoke , while [[my]_0-i pretty one]_{852-my pretty one} plays [her]_{852-my pretty one} guitar and sings songs to [us]_848-we . [She]_{852-my pretty one} 's for [all the world]_{853-all the world} like one of those what's - its - names , who got poor old [Ulysses]_175-ulysses into trouble , " added [the young man]_{667-the young man} , whose classic lore was not very great . [The waiters at [the Westminster coffee - house]_{4924-the westminster coffee - house}]_{4923-the waiters at the westminster coffee - house} stared at [the hollow - eyed , unshaven stranger , with [his]_{667-the young man} clothes of colonial cut , and [his]_{667-the young man} boisterous , excited manner]_{4925-the hollow - eyed , unshaven stranger , with his clothes of colonial cut , and his boisterous , excited manner} ; but [he]_{667-the young man} had been [an old frequenter of [the place]_{385-the place}]_{4926-an old frequenter of the place} in [his]_{667-the young man} military days , and when [they]_{4923-the waiters at the westminster coffee - house} heard who [he]_{667-the young man} was [they]_{4923-the waiters at the westminster coffee - house} flew to do [his]_{667-the young man} bidding . [He]_{667-the young man} did not want much — only a bottle of soda - water , and to know if there was a letter at [the bar]_{4928-the bar} directed to [George Talboys]_157-george . [The waiter]_{4929-the waiter} brought the soda - water before [the young men]_{4930-the young men} had seated [themselves]_{4930-the young men} in a shady box near [the disused fire - place]_{4931-the disused fire - place} . No ; there was no letter for that name . [The waiter]_{4929-the waiter} said it with consummate indifference , while [he]_{4929-the waiter} mechanically dusted the little mahogany table . [George]_157-george 's face blanched to a deadly whiteness . "_[157-george] [Talboys]_157-george , " [he]_{4929-the waiter} said ; "_[157-george] perhaps [you]_854-you did n't hear the name distinctly — T , A , L , B , O , [Y]_855-y , S. Go and look again , there must be a letter . " [The waiter]_{4929-the waiter} shrugged [his]_{4929-the waiter} shoulders as [he]_{4929-the waiter} left [the room]_{595-the room} , and returned in three minutes to say that there was no name at all resembling [Talboys]_157-george in the letter rack . There was [Brown]_{176-this mr. thomas brown} , and [Sanderson]_{177-sanderson} , and [Pinchbeck]_{178-pinchbeck} ; only three letters altogether . [The young man]_{667-the young man} drank [his]_{667-the young man} soda - water in silence , and then , leaning [his]_{667-the young man} elbows on the table , covered [his]_{667-the young man} face with [his]_{667-the young man} hands . There was something in [his]_{667-the young man} manner which told [Robert Audley]_173-robert that [his]_{667-the young man} disappointment , trifling as it may appear , was in reality a very bitter one . [He]_{667-the young man} seated [himself]_{667-the young man} opposite to [[his]_{667-the young man} friend]_{4909-his friend} , but did not attempt to address [him]_{4909-his friend} . By - and - by [George]_157-george looked up , and mechanically taking a greasy Times newspaper of the day before from a heap of journals on the table , stared vacantly at the first page . [I]_855-y can not tell how long [he]_157-george sat blankly staring at one paragraph among the list of deaths , before [his]_157-george dazed brain took in its full meaning ; but after considerable pause [he]_157-george pushed the newspaper over to [Robert Audley]_173-robert , and with a face that had changed from its dark bronze to a sickly , chalky grayish white , and with an awful calmness in [his]_157-george manner , [he]_157-george pointed with [his]_157-george finger to a line which ran thus : "_[855-y] On the 24th inst . , at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor , [[Isle]_27-isle of [Wight]_29-wight]_{28-isle of wight} , [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} , aged 22 . " Yes , there it was in black and [white—"Helen_{[179-helen talboys]} Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} , aged 22 . " When [George]_157-george told [the governess on board the Argus]_{4937-the governess on board the argus} that if [he]_157-george heard any evil tidings of [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} [he]_157-george should drop down dead , [he]_157-george spoke in perfect good faith ; and yet , here were the worst tidings that could come to [him]_157-george , and [he]_157-george sat rigid , white and helpless , staring stupidly at the shocked face of [[his]_157-george friend]_{4909-his friend} . The suddenness of the blow had stunned [him]_157-george . In this strange and bewildered state of mind [he]_157-george began to wonder what had happened , and why it was that one line in the Times newspaper could have so horrible an effect upon [him]_157-george . Then by degrees even this vague consciousness of [his]_157-george misfortune faded slowly out of [his]_157-george mind , succeeded by a painful consciousness of external things . The hot August sunshine , the dusty window - panes and shabby - painted blinds , a file of fly - blown play - bills fastened to the wall , the black and empty fire - places , [a bald - headed old man]_{4940-a bald - headed old man} nodding over the Morning Advertizer , [the slip - shod waiter]_{4941-the slip - shod waiter} folding a tumbled table - cloth , and [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's handsome face looking at [him]_157-george full of compassionate alarm — [he]_157-george knew that all these things took gigantic proportions , and then , one by one , melted into dark blots and swam before [his]_157-george eyes , [He]_157-george knew that there was a great noise , as of half a dozen furious steam - engines tearing and grinding in [his]_157-george ears , and [he]_157-george knew nothing more — except that [somebody or something fell heavily to the ground]_{4942-somebody or something fell heavily to the ground} . [He]_157-george opened [his]_157-george eyes upon the dusky evening in [a cool and shaded room]_{4943-a cool and shaded room} , the silence only broken by the rumbling of wheels at a distance . [He]_157-george looked about [him]_157-george wonderingly , but half indifferently . [[His]_157-george old friend]_{4944-his old friend} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert , was seated by [his]_157-george side smoking . [George]_157-george was lying on a low iron bedstead opposite to an open window , in which there was a stand of flowers and two or three birds in cages . "_{[179-helen talboys]} [You]_856-you do n't mind the pipe , do [you]_856-you , [George]_157-george ? " [[his]_157-george friend]_{4909-his friend} asked , quietly . "_[856-you] No . " [He]_157-george lay for some time looking at the flowers and the birds ; one canary was singing a shrill hymn to the setting sun . "_[856-you] Do the birds annoy [you]_856-you , [George]_157-george ? Shall [I]_0-i take [them]_857-them out of [the room]_{595-the room} ? " "_[0-i] No ; [I]_0-i like to hear [them]_857-them sing . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert knocked the ashes out of [his]_173-robert pipe , laid the precious meerschaum tenderly upon the mantelpiece , and going into [the next room]_{4946-the next room} , returned presently with a cup of strong tea . "_[0-i] Take this , [George]_157-george , " [he]_173-robert said , as [he]_173-robert placed the cup on a little table close to [George]_157-george 's pillow ; "_[157-george] it will do [your]_157-george head good . " [The young man]_{667-the young man} did not answer , but looked slowly round [the room]_{595-the room} , and then at [[his]_{667-the young man} friend]_{4909-his friend} 's grave face . "_[174-bob] [Bob]_174-bob , " [he]_173-robert said , "_[174-bob] where are [we]_859-we ? " "_[174-bob] In [[my]_0-i chambers]_{860-my chambers} , [dear boy]_{861-dear boy} , in [the Temple]_{4856-the temple} . [You]_157-george have [no lodgings of [your]_157-george own]_{863-no lodgings of your own} , so [you]_157-george may as well stay with [me]_0-i while [you]_157-george 're in [town]_864-town . " [George]_157-george passed [his]_157-george hand once or twice across [his]_157-george forehead , and then , in a hesitating manner , said , quietly : "_[174-bob] That newspaper this morning , [Bob]_174-bob ; what was it ? " "_[174-bob] Never mind just now , [old boy]_{850-old boy} ; drink some tea . " "_{[179-helen talboys]} Yes , yes , " cried [George]_157-george , impatiently , raising [himself]_157-george upon the bed , and staring about [him]_157-george with hollow eyes . "_{[179-helen talboys]} [I]_0-i remember all about it . [Helen]_{179-helen talboys} ! [[my]_0-i Helen]_{866-my helen} ! [[my]_0-i wife]_{711-my wife} , [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} , [[my]_0-i only love]_{869-my only love} ! Dead , dead ! " "_[157-george] [George]_157-george , " said [Robert Audley]_173-robert , laying [his]_173-robert hand gently upon [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's arm , "_[157-george] [you]_157-george must remember that [the person whose name [you]_157-george saw in the paper may not be [[your]_157-george wife]_{4675-your wife}]_{870-the person whose name you saw in the paper may not be your wife} . There may have been some other [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} . " "_{[179-helen talboys]} No , no ! " [he]_{667-the young man} cried ; "_{[179-helen talboys]} the age corresponds with [hers]_{4675-your wife} , and [Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} is such an uncommon name . " "_{[179-helen talboys]} It may be a misprint for [Talbot]_180-talbot . " "_[180-talbot] No , no , no ; [[my]_0-i wife]_{711-my wife} is dead ! " [He]_{667-the young man} shook off [Robert]_173-robert 's restraining hand , and rising from the bed , walked straight to the door . "_[157-george] Where are [you]_157-george going ? " exclaimed [[his]_{667-the young man} friend]_{4909-his friend} . "_[157-george] To [Ventnor]_26-ventnor , to see [her]_{4675-your wife} grave . " "_[157-george] Not to - night , [George]_157-george , not to - night . [I]_0-i will go with [you]_157-george [myself]_0-i by [the first train]_{873-the first train} to - morrow . " [Robert]_173-robert led [him]_157-george back to the bed , and gently forced [him]_157-george to lie down again . [He]_173-robert then gave [him]_157-george an opiate , which had been left for [him]_157-george by [the medical man whom [they]_4953-they had called in at [the coffee - house in [Bridge street]_{4955-bridge street}]_{4954-the coffee - house in bridge street}]_{4952-the medical man whom they had called in at the coffee - house in bridge street} , when [George]_157-george fainted . So [George Talboys]_157-george fell into a heavy slumber , and dreamed that [he]_157-george went to [Ventnor]_26-ventnor , to find [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} alive and happy , but wrinkled , old , and gray , and to find [[his]_157-george son]_{4957-his son} grown into [a young man]_{4958-a young man} . Early the next morning [he]_157-george was seated opposite to [Robert Audley]_173-robert in [the first - class carriage]_{4959-the first - class carriage} of [an express]_{4960-an express} , whirling through [the pretty open country]_{4961-the pretty open country} toward [Portsmouth]_{30-portsmouth} . [They]_874-they landed at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor under the burning heat of the midday sun . As [the two young men]_{4962-the two young men} came from [the steamer]_{4963-the steamer} , [the people on [the pier]_{4715-the pier}]_{4964-the people on the pier} stared at [George]_157-george 's white face and untrimmed beard . "_[0-i] What are [we]_874-they to do , [George]_157-george ? " [Robert Audley]_173-robert asked . "_[157-george] [We]_874-they have no clew to finding [the people [you]_157-george want to see]_{875-the people you want to see} . " [The young man]_{667-the young man} looked at [him]_{667-the young man} with a pitiful , bewildered expression . [The big dragoon]_{4967-the big dragoon} was as helpless as [a baby]_{4838-a baby} ; and [Robert Audley]_173-robert , [the most vacillating and unenergetic of men]_{4969-the most vacillating and unenergetic of men} , found [himself]_173-robert called upon to act for another . [He]_173-robert rose superior to [himself]_173-robert , and equal to the occasion . "_[874-they] Had [we]_874-they not better ask at [one of [the hotels]_{877-the hotels}]_{876-one of the hotels} about [a Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , [George]_{181-george talboys} ? " [he]_173-robert said . "_{[181-george talboys]} [[Her]_{181-george talboys} father]_{481-her father} 's name was [Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} , " [George]_{181-george talboys} muttered ; "_{[481-her father]} [he]_{481-her father} could never have sent [her]_{181-george talboys} here to die alone . " [They]_874-they said nothing more ; but [Robert]_173-robert walked straight to [a hotel]_{4970-a hotel} where [he]_173-robert inquired for [a Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} . Yes , [they]_874-they told [him]_173-robert , there was [a gentleman of that name]_{4971-a gentleman of that name} stopping at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor , [a Captain [Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon}]_{4972-a captain maldon} ; [[his]_{481-her father} daughter]_{556-his daughter} was lately dead . [The waiter]_{4929-the waiter} would go and inquire for the address . [The hotel]_{4975-the hotel} was [a busy place at this season]_{4976-a busy place at this season} ; [people hurrying in and out]_{4977-people hurrying in and out} , and a great bustle of [grooms]_4978-grooms and [waiters]_4979-waiters about [the halls]_{4980-the halls} . [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} leaned against the doorpost , with much the same look in [his]_173-robert face , as that which had frightened [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} in [the Westminister coffee - house]_{4982-the westminister coffee - house} . The worst was confirmed now . [[His]_{481-her father} wife]_{554-his wife} , [[Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} 's daughter]_{4984-captain maldon 's daughter} was dead . [The waiter]_{4929-the waiter} returned in about five minutes to say that [Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} was lodging at [Lansdowne Cottage]_{31-lansdowne cottage} , [No . 4]_{4986-no . 4} . [They]_{4929-the waiter} easily found [the house]_{388-the house} , [a shabby , low - windowed cottage]_{4988-a shabby , low - windowed cottage} , looking toward [the water]_{403-the water} . Was [Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} at [home]_479-home ? No , [the landlady]_{4991-the landlady} said ; [he]_{183-captain maldon} had gone out on [the beach]_{4992-the beach} with [[his]_{183-captain maldon} little grandson]_{4993-his little grandson} . Would [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} walk in and sit down a bit ? [George]_{181-george talboys} mechanically followed [[his]_{183-captain maldon} friend]_{4909-his friend} into [the little front parlor]_{4996-the little front parlor} — dusty , shabbily furnished , and disorderly , with [a child]_{4759-a child} 's broken toys scattered on the floor , and the scent of stale tobacco hanging about the muslin window - curtains . "_{[481-her father]} Look ! " said [George]_{181-george talboys} , pointing to a picture over the mantelpiece . It was [his]_{183-captain maldon} own portrait , painted in the old dragooning days . A pretty good likeness , representing [him]_{183-captain maldon} in uniform , with [his]_{183-captain maldon} charger in the background . Perhaps the most animated of [men]_4634-men would have been scarcely so wise a comforter as [Robert Audley]_173-robert . [He]_{183-captain maldon} did not utter a word to [the stricken widower]_{4999-the stricken widower} , but quietly seated [himself]_{183-captain maldon} with [his]_{183-captain maldon} back to [George]_{181-george talboys} , looking out of the open window . For some time [the young man]_{667-the young man} wandered restlessly about [the room]_{595-the room} , looking at and sometimes touching the nick - nacks lying here and there . [Her]_879-her workbox , with an unfinished piece of work ; [her]_879-her album full of extracts from [Byron]_160-byron and [Moore]_184-moore , written in [his]_{183-captain maldon} own scrawling hand ; some books which [he]_{183-captain maldon} had given [her]_879-her , and a bunch of withered flowers in a vase [they]_880-they had bought in [Italy]_9-italy . "_{[481-her father]} [Her]_879-her portrait used to hang by the side of mine , " [he]_{183-captain maldon} muttered ; "_[879-her] [I]_0-i wonder what [they]_880-they have done with it . " By - and - by [he]_{183-captain maldon} said , after about an hour 's silence : "_[880-they] [I]_0-i should like to see [the woman of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{881-the woman of the house} ; [I]_0-i should like to ask [her]_{881-the woman of the house} about — " [He]_{183-captain maldon} broke down , and buried [his]_{183-captain maldon} face in [his]_{183-captain maldon} hands . [Robert]_173-robert summoned [the landlady]_{4991-the landlady} . [She]_{4991-the landlady} was [a good - natured garrulous creature , accustomed to sickness and death]_{5003-a good - natured garrulous creature , accustomed to sickness and death} , for [many of [[her]_{4991-the landlady} lodgers]_{5005-her lodgers}]_{5004-many of her lodgers} came to [her]_{4991-the landlady} to die . [She]_{4991-the landlady} told all the particulars of [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} ' last hours ; how [she]_{4991-the landlady} had come to [Ventnor]_26-ventnor only ten days before [her]_{4991-the landlady} death , in the last stage of decline ; and how , day by day , [she]_{4991-the landlady} had gradually , but surely , sunk under the fatal malady . Was [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} [any relative]_{5007-any relative} ? [she]_{4991-the landlady} asked of [Robert Audley]_173-robert , as [George]_{181-george talboys} sobbed aloud . "_[883-he] Yes , [he]_883-he is [[the lady]_{673-the lady} 's husband]_{885-the lady 's husband} . " "_[883-he] What ! " [the woman]_{5008-the woman} cried ; "_[883-he] [him]_883-he as deserted [her]_{673-the lady} so cruel , and left [her]_{673-the lady} with [[her]_{673-the lady} pretty boy]_{886-her pretty boy} upon [[her]_{673-the lady} poor old father]_{887-her poor old father} 's hands , which [Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} has told [me]_0-i often , with the tears in [his]_{183-captain maldon} poor eyes ? " "_{[183-captain maldon]} [I]_0-i did not desert [her]_{673-the lady} , " [George]_{181-george talboys} cried out ; and then [he]_0-i told the history of [his]_0-i three years ' struggle . "_[0-i] Did [she]_{673-the lady} speak of [me]_0-i ? " [he]_0-i asked ; "_{[673-the lady]} did [she]_{673-the lady} speak of [me]_0-i — at — at the last ? " "_{[673-the lady]} No , [she]_{673-the lady} went off as quiet as a lamb . [She]_{673-the lady} said very little from the first ; but the last day [she]_{673-the lady} knew [nobody]_566-nobody , not even [[her]_{673-the lady} little boy]_{889-her little boy} , nor [[her]_{673-the lady} poor old father]_{887-her poor old father} , who took on awful . Once [she]_{673-the lady} went off wild - like , talking about [[her]_{673-the lady} mother]_{891-her mother} , and about the cruel shame it was to leave [her]_{673-the lady} to die in [a strange place]_{892-a strange place} , till it was quite pitiful to hear [her]_{673-the lady} . " "_{[673-the lady]} [[Her]_{673-the lady} mother]_{891-her mother} died when [she]_{673-the lady} was quite [a child]_{4759-a child} , " said [George]_{181-george talboys} . "_{[673-the lady]} To think that [she]_{673-the lady} should remember [her]_{673-the lady} and speak of [her]_{673-the lady} , but never once of [me]_0-i . " [The woman]_{5008-the woman} took [him]_{887-her poor old father} into [the little bedroom in which [[his]_{887-her poor old father} wife]_{554-his wife} had died]_{5010-the little bedroom in which his wife had died} . [He]_{887-her poor old father} knelt down by the bed and kissed the pillow tenderly , [the landlady]_{4991-the landlady} crying as [he]_{887-her poor old father} did so . While [he]_{887-her poor old father} was kneeling , praying , perhaps , with [his]_{887-her poor old father} face buried in this humble , snow - white pillow , [the woman]_{5008-the woman} took something from a drawer . [She]_{5008-the woman} gave it to [him]_{887-her poor old father} when [he]_{887-her poor old father} rose from [his]_{887-her poor old father} knees ; it was a long tress of hair wrapped in silver paper . "_{[673-the lady]} [I]_0-i cut this off when [she]_{673-the lady} lay in [her]_{673-the lady} coffin , " [she]_{5008-the woman} said , "_[0-i] [poor dear]_{895-poor dear} ? " [He]_{887-her poor old father} pressed the soft lock to [his]_{887-her poor old father} lips . "_[0-i] Yes , " [he]_{887-her poor old father} murmured ; "_[0-i] this is the dear hair that [I]_0-i have kissed so often when [her]_{673-the lady} head lay upon [my]_0-i shoulder . But it always had a rippling wave in it then , and now it seems smooth and straight . " "_[896-they] It changes in illness , " said [the landlady]_{4991-the landlady} . "_[896-they] If [you]_0-i 'd like to see where [they]_896-they have laid [her]_{673-the lady} , [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , [[my]_0-i little boy]_{897-my little boy} shall show [you]_0-i the way to [the churchyard]_{898-the churchyard} . " So [George Talboys]_157-george and [[his]_157-george faithful friend]_{5015-his faithful friend} walked to [the quiet spot]_{5016-the quiet spot} , where , beneath [a mound of earth]_{5017-a mound of earth} , to which [the patches of fresh turf]_{5018-the patches of fresh turf} hardly adhered , lay [that wife of whose welcoming smile [George]_157-george had dreamed so often in [the far antipodes]_{5020-the far antipodes}]_{5019-that wife of whose welcoming smile george had dreamed so often in the far antipodes} . [Robert]_173-robert left [the young man]_{667-the young man} by the side of [this newly - made grave]_{5022-this newly - made grave} , and returning in about a quarter of an hour , found that [he]_{667-the young man} had not once stirred . [He]_{667-the young man} looked up presently , and said that if there was [a stone - mason]_{5023-a stone - mason} 's anywhere near [he]_{667-the young man} should like to give an order . [They]_5024-they very easily found [the stonemason]_{5025-the stonemason} , and sitting down amidst the fragmentary litter of [[the man]_{634-the man} 's yard]_{5027-the man 's yard} , [George Talboys]_157-george wrote in pencil this brief inscription for the headstone of [[[his]_157-george dead wife]_{5028-his dead wife} 's grave]_{5029-his dead wife 's grave} : Sacred to the Memory of [HELEN]_{179-helen talboys} , [THE BELOVED WIFE OF [GEORGE TALBOYS]_157-george , Who departed this life August 24th , 18 — , aged 22 , Deeply regretted by [[her]_{179-helen talboys} sorrowing Husband]_{5031-her sorrowing husband}]_{5030-the beloved wife of george talboys , who departed this life august 24th , 18 — , aged 22 , deeply regretted by her sorrowing husband} . When [they]_5024-they returned to [Lansdowne Cottage]_{31-lansdowne cottage} [they]_5024-they found [the old man]_{694-the old man} had not yet come in , so [they]_5024-they walked down to [the beach]_{4992-the beach} to look for [him]_{694-the old man} . After a brief search [they]_5024-they found [him]_{694-the old man} , sitting upon a heap of pebbles , reading a newspaper and eating filberts . [The little boy]_{5034-the little boy} was at some distance from [[his]_{5034-the little boy} grandfather]_{5035-his grandfather} , digging in the sand with a wooden spade . The crape round [the old man]_{694-the old man} 's shabby hat , and [the child]_{5037-the child} 's poor little black frock , went to [George]_157-george 's heart . Go where [he]_157-george would [he]_157-george met fresh confirmation of this great grief of [his]_157-george life . [[His]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} was dead . "_{[897-my little boy]} [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} , " [he]_157-george said , as [he]_157-george approached [[his]_{5034-the little boy} father - in - law]_{5039-his father - in - law} . [The old man]_{694-the old man} looked up , and , dropping [his]_{694-the old man} newspaper , rose from the pebbles with a ceremonious bow . [His]_{694-the old man} faded light hair was tinged with gray ; [he]_{694-the old man} had a pinched hook nose ; watery blue eyes , and an irresolute - looking mouth ; [he]_{694-the old man} wore [his]_{694-the old man} shabby dress with an affectation of foppish gentility ; an eye - glass dangled over [his]_{694-the old man} closely buttoned - up waistcoat , and [he]_{694-the old man} carried a cane in [his]_{694-the old man} ungloved hand . "_{[182-mr. maldon]} Great Heaven ! " cried [George]_157-george , "_{[182-mr. maldon]} do n't [you]_{182-mr. maldon} know [me]_0-i ? " [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} started and colored violently , with something of a frightened look , as [he]_{182-mr. maldon} recognized [[his]_{182-mr. maldon} son - in - law]_{5041-his son - in - law} . "_{[182-mr. maldon]} [[My]_0-i dear boy]_{899-my dear boy} , " [he]_{182-mr. maldon} said , "_{[182-mr. maldon]} [I]_0-i did not ; for the first moment [I]_0-i did not . That beard makes such a difference . [You]_0-i find the beard makes a great difference , do [you]_0-i not , [sir]_900-sir ? " [he]_{182-mr. maldon} said , appealing to [Robert]_173-robert . "_[0-i] Great heavens ! " exclaimed [George Talboys]_157-george , "_{[182-mr. maldon]} is this the way [you]_{182-mr. maldon} welcome [me]_0-i ? [I]_0-i come to [England]_7-england to find [[my]_0-i wife]_{711-my wife} dead within a week of [[my]_0-i touching land]_{902-my touching land} , and [you]_{182-mr. maldon} begin to chatter to [me]_0-i about [my]_0-i beard — [you]_{182-mr. maldon} , [[her]_{711-my wife} father]_{481-her father} ! " "_{[182-mr. maldon]} True ! true ! " muttered [the old man]_{694-the old man} , wiping [his]_{694-the old man} bloodshot eyes ; "_{[182-mr. maldon]} a sad shock , a sad shock , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} [George]_157-george . If [you]_{182-mr. maldon} 'd only been [here]_4776-here a week earlier . " "_{[182-mr. maldon]} If [I]_0-i had , " cried [George]_157-george , in an outburst of grief and passion , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i scarcely think that [I]_0-i would have let [her]_{711-my wife} die . [I]_0-i would have disputed for [her]_{711-my wife} with death . [I]_0-i would ! [I]_0-i would ! [Oh God]_164-god ! why did not [the Argus]_{618-the argus} go down with every soul on board [her]_{711-my wife} before [I]_0-i came to see this day ? " [He]_157-george began to walk up and down [the beach]_{4992-the beach} , [[his]_157-george father - in - law]_{5039-his father - in - law} looking helplessly at [him]_157-george , rubbing [his]_{907-that old man} feeble eyes with a handkerchief . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've a strong notion that [that old man]_{907-that old man} did n't treat [[his]_{907-that old man} daughter]_{556-his daughter} too well , " thought [Robert]_173-robert , as [he]_173-robert watched [the half - pay lieutenant]_{5045-the half - pay lieutenant} . "_{[907-that old man]} [He]_{907-that old man} seems , for some reason or other , to be half afraid of [George]_157-george . " While [the agitated young man]_{5046-the agitated young man} walked up and down in a fever of regret and despair , [the child]_{5037-the child} ran to [[his]_{5037-the child} grandfather]_{5035-his grandfather} , and clung about the tails of [his]_{5035-his grandfather} coat . "_{[907-that old man]} Come [home]_479-home , [grandpa]_910-grandpa , come [home]_479-home , " [he]_0-i said . "_{[910-grandpa]} [I]_0-i 'm tired . " [George Talboys]_157-george turned at the sound of the babyish voice , and looked long and earnestly at [the boy]_{5049-the boy} . [He]_{5049-the boy} had [[his]_{5037-the child} father]_{709-his father} 's brown eyes and dark hair . "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} ! [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} ! " said [George]_157-george , taking [the child]_{5037-the child} in [his]_157-george arms , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i am [[your]_{4709-my darling} father]_{914-your father} , come across [the sea]_{661-the sea} to find [you]_{4709-my darling} . Will [you]_{4709-my darling} love [me]_0-i ? " [The little fellow]_{5052-the little fellow} pushed [him]_157-george away . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't know [you]_{4709-my darling} , " [he]_0-i said . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i love [grandpa]_185-grandpa and [Mrs. Monks]_{186-mrs. monks} at [Southampton]_{33-southampton} . " "_{[186-mrs. monks]} [Georgey]_187-georgey has a temper of [his]_187-georgey own , [sir]_900-sir , " said [the old man]_{694-the old man} . "_{[187-georgey]} [He]_187-georgey has been spoiled . " [They]_5054-they walked slowly back to [the cottage]_{5055-the cottage} , and once more [George Talboys]_157-george told the history of that desertion which had seemed so cruel . [He]_157-george told , too , of the twenty thousand pounds banked by [him]_157-george the day before . [He]_157-george had not the heart to ask any questions about the past , and [[his]_157-george father - in - law]_{5039-his father - in - law} only told [him]_157-george that a few months after [his]_157-george departure [they]_5054-they had gone from [the place where [George]_157-george left [them]_5054-they to live at [Southampton]_{33-southampton}]_{5057-the place where george left them to live at southampton} , where [Helen]_{179-helen talboys} got [a few pupils]_{5058-a few pupils} for the piano , and where [they]_5054-they managed pretty well till [her]_{179-helen talboys} health failed , and [she]_{179-helen talboys} fell into the decline of which [she]_{179-helen talboys} died . Like most sad stories it was a very brief one . "_{[187-georgey]} [The boy]_{5049-the boy} seems fond of [you]_918-you , [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} , " said [George]_157-george , after a pause . "_{[5049-the boy]} Yes , yes , " answered [the old man]_{694-the old man} , smoothing [the child]_{5037-the child} 's curling hair ; "_{[5049-the boy]} yes . [Georgey]_187-georgey is very fond of [[his]_187-georgey grandfather]_{5035-his grandfather} . " "_{[187-georgey]} Then [he]_{5049-the boy} had better stop with [you]_918-you . The interest of [my]_0-i money will be about six hundred a year . [You]_918-you can draw a hundred of that for [Georgey]_187-georgey 's education , leaving the rest to accumulate till [he]_{5049-the boy} is of age . [[My]_0-i friend]_{836-my friend} here will be [trustee]_921-trustee , and if [he]_{836-my friend} will undertake the charge , [I]_0-i will appoint [him]_{836-my friend} guardian to [the boy]_{5049-the boy} , allowing [him]_{5049-the boy} for the present to remain under [your]_918-you care . " "_[0-i] But why not take care of [him]_{5049-the boy} [yourself]_918-you , [George]_157-george ? " asked [Robert Audley]_173-robert . "_[918-you] Because [I]_0-i shall sail in [the very next vessel]_{923-the very next vessel} that leaves [Liverpool]_6-liverpool for [Australia]_11-australia . [I]_0-i shall be better in the diggings or [the backwoods]_{924-the backwoods} than ever [I]_0-i could be [here]_4776-here . [I]_0-i 'm broken for a civilized life from this hour , [Bob]_174-bob . " [The old man]_{694-the old man} 's weak eyes sparkled as [George]_157-george declared this determination . "_[174-bob] [[My]_0-i poor boy]_{926-my poor boy} , [I]_0-i think [you]_{926-my poor boy} 're right , " [he]_0-i said , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i really think [you]_{926-my poor boy} 're right . The change , the wild life , the — the — " [He]_157-george hesitated and broke down as [Robert]_173-robert looked earnestly at [him]_157-george . "_{[926-my poor boy]} [You]_{926-my poor boy} 're in a great hurry to get rid of [[your]_{926-my poor boy} son - in - law]_{927-your son - in - law} , [I]_0-i think , [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} , " [he]_0-i said , gravely . "_[0-i] Get rid of [him]_{927-your son - in - law} , [dear boy]_{861-dear boy} ! Oh , no , no ! But for [his]_{927-your son - in - law} own sake , [[my]_0-i dear sir]_{929-my dear sir} , for [his]_{927-your son - in - law} own sake , [you]_{926-my poor boy} know . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i think for [his]_{927-your son - in - law} own sake [he]_{927-your son - in - law} 'd much better stay in [England]_7-england and look after [[his]_{927-your son - in - law} son]_{4957-his son} , " said [Robert]_173-robert . "_[0-i] But [I]_0-i tell [you]_{926-my poor boy} [I]_0-i ca n't , " cried [George]_157-george ; "_[0-i] every inch of this accursed ground is hateful to [me]_0-i — [I]_0-i want to run out of it as [I]_0-i would out of [a graveyard]_{931-a graveyard} . [I]_0-i 'll go back to [town]_864-town to - night , get that business about the money settled early to - morrow morning , and start for [Liverpool]_6-liverpool without a moment 's delay . [I]_0-i shall be better when [I]_0-i 've put half [the world]_{519-the world} between [me]_0-i and [[her]_934-her grave]_{935-her grave} . " "_{[927-your son - in - law]} Before [he]_{927-your son - in - law} left [the house]_{388-the house} [he]_{927-your son - in - law} stole out to [the landlady]_{4991-the landlady} , and asked some more questions about [[his]_{927-your son - in - law} dead wife]_{5028-his dead wife} . " Were [they]_5062-they poor ? "_{[927-your son - in - law]} [he]_{927-your son - in - law} asked , " were [they]_5062-they pinched for money while [she]_934-her was ill ? "_{[927-your son - in - law]} " Oh , no ! "_{[5008-the woman]} [the woman]_{5008-the woman} answered ; " though [the captain]_{633-the captain} dresses shabby , [he]_{633-the captain} has always plenty of sovereigns in [his]_{633-the captain} purse . [The poor lady]_{5064-the poor lady} wanted for nothing . "_{[5008-the woman]} [George]_157-george was relieved at this , though it puzzled [him]_157-george to know where [the drunken half - pay lieutenant]_{940-the drunken half - pay lieutenant} could have contrived to find money for all the expenses of [[his]_{927-your son - in - law} daughter]_{556-his daughter} 's illness . But [he]_157-george was too thoroughly broken down by the calamity which had befallen [him]_157-george to be able to think much of anything , so [he]_157-george asked no further questions , but walked with [[his]_157-george father - in - law]_{5039-his father - in - law} and [Robert Audley]_173-robert down to [the boat by which [they]_944-they were to cross to [Portsmouth]_{30-portsmouth}]_{943-the boat by which they were to cross to portsmouth} . [The old man]_{694-the old man} bade [Robert]_173-robert a very ceremonious adieu . " [You]_157-george did not introduce [me]_{694-the old man} to [[your]_157-george friend]_{5065-your friend} , by - the - bye , [[my]_{694-the old man} dear boy]_{899-my dear boy} , "_{[694-the old man]} [he]_{694-the old man} said . [George]_157-george stared at [him]_{694-the old man} , muttered something indistinct , and ran down the ladder to [the boat]_{946-the boat} before [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} could repeat [his]_{182-mr. maldon} request . [The steamer]_{4963-the steamer} sped away through the sunset , and the outline of [the island]_{948-the island} melted in the horizon as [they]_944-they neared [the opposite shore]_{949-the opposite shore} . " To think , "_[157-george] said [George]_157-george , " that two nights ago , at this time , [I]_157-george was steaming into [Liverpool]_6-liverpool , full of the hope of clasping [her]_5067-her to [my]_157-george heart , and to - night [I]_157-george am going away from [her]_5067-her grave ! "_[157-george] The document which appointed [Robert Audley]_173-robert as guardian to [little George Talboys]_157-george was drawn up in [[a solicitor]_{950-a solicitor} 's office]_{951-a solicitor 's office} the next morning . " It 's a great responsibility , "_[173-robert] exclaimed [Robert]_173-robert ; " [I]_173-robert , [guardian]_{5068-guardian} to [anybody]_706-anybody or anything ! [I]_173-robert , who never in [my]_173-robert life could take care of [myself]_173-robert ! "_[173-robert] " [I]_157-george trust in [your]_173-robert noble heart , [Bob]_174-bob , "_[157-george] said [George]_157-george . " [I]_157-george know [you]_173-robert will take care of [[my]_157-george poor orphan boy]_{5070-my poor orphan boy} , and see that [he]_{5070-my poor orphan boy} is well used by [[his]_{5070-my poor orphan boy} grandfather]_{5035-his grandfather} . [I]_157-george shall only draw enough from [Georgey]_187-georgey 's fortune to take [me]_157-george back to [Sydney]_5-sydney , and then begin [my]_157-george old work again . "_[157-george] But it seemed as if [George]_157-george was destined to be [himself]_157-george [the guardian of [[his]_157-george son]_{4957-his son}]_{952-the guardian of his son} ; for when [he]_157-george reached [Liverpool]_6-liverpool , [he]_157-george found that [a vessel]_{4716-a vessel} had just sailed , and that there would not be another for a month ; so [he]_157-george returned to [London]_3-london , and once more threw [himself]_157-george upon [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's hospitality . [The barrister]_{955-the barrister} received [him]_173-robert with open arms ; [he]_{955-the barrister} gave [him]_173-robert [the room]_{595-the room} with the birds and flowers , and had a bed put up in [[his]_173-robert dressing - room]_{957-his dressing - room} for [himself]_173-robert . Grief is so selfish that [George]_157-george did not know the sacrifices [[his]_157-george friend]_{4909-his friend} made for [his]_157-george comfort . [He]_157-george only knew that for [him]_173-robert the sun was darkened , and the business of life done . [He]_173-robert sat all day long smoking cigars , and staring at the flowers and canaries , chafing for the time to pass that [he]_173-robert might be far out at [sea]_4741-sea . But just as the hour was drawing near for the sailing of [the vessel]_{630-the vessel} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert came in one day , full of a great scheme . [A friend of [his]_173-robert]_{961-a friend of his} , another of [those barristers whose last thought is of a brief]_{962-those barristers whose last thought is of a brief} , was going to [St. Petersburg]_{34-st. petersburg} to spend the winter , and wanted [Robert]_173-robert to accompany [him]_{961-a friend of his} . [Robert]_173-robert would only go on condition that [George]_157-george went too . For a long time [the young man]_{667-the young man} resisted ; but when [he]_{667-the young man} found that [Robert]_173-robert was , in a quiet way , thoroughly determined upon not going without [him]_{667-the young man} , [he]_173-robert gave in , and consented to join [the party]_{964-the party} . What did it matter ? [he]_173-robert said . [One place]_{965-one place} was the same to [him]_173-robert as another ; anywhere out of [England]_7-england ; what did [he]_173-robert care where ? This was not a very cheerful way of looking at things , but [Robert Audley]_173-robert was quite satisfied with having won [his]_173-robert consent . [The three young men]_{966-the three young men} started under very favorable circumstances , carrying letters of introduction to [the most influential inhabitants of [the Russian capital]_{968-the russian capital}]_{967-the most influential inhabitants of the russian capital} . Before leaving [England]_7-england , [Robert]_173-robert wrote to [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} [Alicia]_149-alicia , telling [her]_149-alicia of [his]_173-robert intended departure with [[[his]_173-robert old friend]_{4944-his old friend} [George Talboys]_157-george , whom [he]_173-robert had lately met for the first time after a lapse of years , and who had just lost [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife}]_{971-his old friend george talboys , whom he had lately met for the first time after a lapse of years , and who had just lost his wife} . [Alicia]_149-alicia 's reply came by return post , and ran thus : " [[MY]_149-alicia DEAR]_{4626-my dear} [ROBERT]_173-robert — How cruel of [you]_173-robert to run away to that horrid [St. Petersburg]_{34-st. petersburg} before the hunting season ! [I]_149-alicia have heard that [people]_572-people lose [their]_572-people noses in that disagreeable climate , and as [yours]_173-robert is rather a long one , [I]_149-alicia should advise [you]_173-robert to return before the very severe weather sets in . What sort of person is this [Mr. Talboys]_157-george ? If [he]_157-george is very agreeable [you]_173-robert may bring [him]_157-george to [the Court]_{373-the court} as soon as [you]_173-robert return from [your]_173-robert travels . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} tells [me]_149-alicia to request [you]_173-robert to secure [her]_{150-lady audley} a set of sables . [You]_173-robert are not to consider the price , but to be sure that they are the handsomest that can be obtained . [Papa]_188-papa is perfectly absurd about [[his]_188-papa new wife]_{5075-his new wife} , and [she]_{5075-his new wife} and [I]_149-alicia can not get on together at all ; not that [she]_{5075-his new wife} is disagreeable to [me]_149-alicia , for , as far as that goes , [she]_{5075-his new wife} makes [herself]_{5075-his new wife} agreeable to [every one]_{529-every one} ; but [she]_{5075-his new wife} is so irretrievably childish and silly . "_[149-alicia] Believe [me]_0-i to be , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} [Robert]_173-robert . " [[Your]_173-robert affectionate cousin]_{5077-your affectionate cousin} , "_[173-robert] [ALICIA AUDLEY]_149-alicia . " The first year of [George Talboys]_157-george ' widowhood passed away , the deep band of crepe about [his]_157-george hat grew brown and dusty , and as the last burning day of another August faded out , [he]_157-george sat smoking cigars in [the quiet chambers of [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court}]_{5078-the quiet chambers of figtree court} , much as [he]_157-george had done the year before , when the horror of [his]_157-george grief was new to [him]_157-george , and every object in life , however trifling or however important , seemed saturated with [his]_157-george one great sorrow . But [the big ex - dragoon]_{5079-the big ex - dragoon} had survived [his]_157-george affliction by a twelvemonth , and hard as it may be to have to tell it , [he]_157-george did not look much the worse for it . Heaven knows what wasted agonies of remorse and self - reproach may not have racked [George]_157-george 's honest heart , as [he]_157-george lay awake at nights thinking of [the wife [he]_157-george had abandoned]_{5080-the wife he had abandoned} in the pursuit of a fortune , which [she]_{5080-the wife he had abandoned} never lived to share . Once , while [they]_976-they were abroad , [Robert Audley]_173-robert ventured to congratulate [him]_157-george upon [his]_157-george recovered spirits . [He]_173-robert burst into a bitter laugh . "_[149-alicia] Do [you]_974-you know , [Bob]_174-bob , " [he]_173-robert said , "_[974-you] that when [some of [[our]_976-they fellows]_{977-our fellows}]_{975-some of our fellows} were wounded in [India]_35-india , [they]_{975-some of our fellows} came [home]_479-home , bringing bullets inside [them]_{975-some of our fellows} . [They]_{975-some of our fellows} did not talk of [them]_{975-some of our fellows} , and [they]_{975-some of our fellows} were stout and hearty , and looked as well , perhaps , as [you]_974-you or [I]_0-i ; but every change in the weather , however slight , every variation of the atmosphere , however trifling , brought back the old agony of [their]_{975-some of our fellows} wounds as sharp as ever [they]_{975-some of our fellows} had felt it on the battle - field . [I]_0-i 've had [my]_0-i wound , [Bob]_174-bob ; [I]_0-i carry the bullet still , and [I]_0-i shall carry it into [my]_0-i coffin . " [The travelers]_{5081-the travelers} returned from [St. Petersburg]_{34-st. petersburg} in the spring , and [George]_157-george again took up [[his]_157-george quarters]_{5082-his quarters} at [[[his]_157-george old friend]_{4944-his old friend} 's chambers]_{5084-his old friend 's chambers} , only leaving [them]_{5084-his old friend 's chambers} now and then to run down to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} and take a look at [[his]_157-george little boy]_{5085-his little boy} . [He]_157-george always went loaded with toys and sweetmeats to give to [the child]_{5037-the child} ; but , for all this , [Georgey]_187-georgey would not become very familiar with [[his]_187-georgey papa]_{5087-his papa} , and [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's heart sickened as [he]_{667-the young man} began to fancy that even [[his]_157-george child]_{5089-his child} was lost to [him]_{667-the young man} . "_[0-i] What can [I]_0-i do ? " [he]_0-i thought . "_[0-i] If [I]_0-i take [him]_979-his away from [[his]_979-his grandfather]_{5035-his grandfather} , [I]_0-i shall break [his]_979-his heart ; if [I]_0-i let [him]_979-his remain , [he]_979-his will grow up [a stranger to [me]_0-i]_{981-a stranger to me} , and care more for [that drunken old hypocrite]_{982-that drunken old hypocrite} than for [[his]_979-his own father]_{983-his own father} . But then , what could [an ignorant , heavy dragoon]_{984-an ignorant , heavy dragoon} like [me]_0-i do with [such a child]_{985-such a child} ? What could [I]_0-i teach [him]_979-his , except to smoke cigars and idle around all day with [his]_979-his hands in [his]_979-his pockets ? " So the anniversary of that 30th of August , upon which [George]_157-george had seen the advertisement of [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} 's death in the Times newspaper , came round for the first time , and [the young man]_{667-the young man} put off [his]_{667-the young man} black clothes and the shabby crape from [his]_{667-the young man} hat , and laid [his]_{667-the young man} mournful garments in a trunk in which [he]_{667-the young man} kept a packet of [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} 's letters , [her]_{554-his wife} portrait , and that lock of hair which had been cut from [her]_{554-his wife} head after death . [Robert Audley]_173-robert had never seen either the letters , the portrait , or the long tress of silky hair ; nor , indeed , had [George]_157-george ever mentioned the name of [[his]_157-george dead wife]_{5028-his dead wife} after that one day at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor , on which [he]_157-george learned the full particulars of [her]_{554-his wife} decease . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i shall write to [[my]_0-i cousin]_{986-my cousin} [Alicia]_149-alicia to - day , [George]_157-george , " [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} said , upon this very 30th of [August]_189-august . "_[157-george] Do [you]_157-george know that the day after to - morrow is the 1st of September ? [I]_0-i shall write and tell [her]_149-alicia that [we]_987-we will both run down to [the Court]_{373-the court} for a week 's shooting . " "_[174-bob] No , no , [Bob]_174-bob ; go by [yourself]_174-bob ; [they]_989-they do n't want [me]_0-i , and [I]_0-i 'd rather — " "_[0-i] Bury [yourself]_174-bob in [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} , with no company but [my]_0-i dogs and canaries ! No , [George]_157-george , [you]_157-george shall do nothing of the kind . " "_[157-george] But [I]_0-i do n't care for shooting . " "_[0-i] And do [you]_157-george suppose [I]_0-i care for it ? " cried [Robert]_173-robert , with charming naivete . "_[157-george] Why , [man]_990-man , [I]_0-i do n't know a partridge from a pigeon , and it might be the 1st of April , instead of the 1st of September , for aught [I]_0-i care . [I]_0-i never hurt a bird in [my]_0-i life , but [I]_0-i have hurt [my]_0-i own shoulder with the weight of [my]_0-i gun . [I]_0-i only go down to [Essex]_2-essex for the change of air , the good dinners , and the sight of [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's honest , handsome face . Besides , this time [I]_0-i 've another inducement , as [I]_0-i want to see [this fair - haired paragon]_{992-this fair - haired paragon} — [[my]_0-i new aunt]_{993-my new aunt} . [You]_157-george 'll go with [me]_0-i , [George]_157-george ? " "_[157-george] Yes , if [you]_157-george really wish it . " The quiet form [his]_0-i grief had taken after its first brief violence , left [him]_0-i as submissive as [a child]_{4759-a child} to the will of [[his]_0-i friend]_{4909-his friend} ; ready to go anywhere or do anything ; never enjoying [himself]_0-i , or originating any enjoyment , but joining in the pleasures of [others]_5097-others with a hopeless , uncomplaining , unobtrusive resignation peculiar to [his]_0-i simple nature . But the return of post brought a letter from [Alicia Audley]_149-alicia , to say that [the two young men]_{4962-the two young men} could not be received at [the Court]_{373-the court} . "_[157-george] There are [seventeen spare bed - rooms]_{994-seventeen spare bed - rooms} , " wrote [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} , in an indignant running hand , "_[157-george] but for all that , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} [Robert]_173-robert , [you]_173-robert ca n't come ; for [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} has taken it into [her]_{468-my lady} silly head that [she]_{468-my lady} is too ill to entertain [visitors]_400-visitors ( there is no more the matter with [her]_{468-my lady} than there is with [me]_0-i ) , and [she]_{468-my lady} can not have [gentlemen]_{4816-gentlemen} ( [great , rough men]_{999-great , rough men} , [she]_{468-my lady} says ) in [the house]_{388-the house} . Please apologize to [[your]_173-robert friend]_{5065-your friend} [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , and tell [him]_157-george that [papa]_1002-papa expects to see [you]_173-robert both in the hunting season . " "_{[468-my lady]} [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's airs and graces sha n't keep [us]_1004-we out of [Essex]_2-essex for all that , " said [Robert]_173-robert , as [he]_173-robert twisted the letter into a pipe - light for [his]_173-robert big meerschaum . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll tell [you]_173-robert what [we]_1004-we 'll do , [George]_157-george : there 's [a glorious inn]_{1005-a glorious inn} at [Audley]_{150-lady audley} , and plenty of fishing in [the neighborhood]_{504-the neighborhood} ; [we]_1004-we 'll go [there]_374-there and have a week 's sport . Fishing is much better than shooting ; [you]_173-robert 've only to lie on [a bank]_{1008-a bank} and stare at [your]_173-robert line ; [I]_0-i do n't find that [you]_173-robert often catch anything , but it 's very pleasant . " [He]_173-robert held the twisted letter to the feeble spark of fire glimmering in the grate , as [he]_173-robert spoke , and then changing [his]_173-robert mind , deliberately unfolded it , and smoothed the crumpled paper with [his]_173-robert hand . "_[149-alicia] Poor little [Alicia]_149-alicia ! " [he]_173-robert said , thoughtfully ; "_[149-alicia] it 's rather hard to treat [her]_1009-her letter so cavalierly — [I'll]_0-i keep it ; " upon which [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert put the note back into its envelope , and afterward thrust it into a pigeon - hole in [his]_173-robert office desk , marked important . Heaven knows what wonderful documents there were in this particular pigeon - hole , but [I]_0-i do not think it likely to have contained anything of great judicial value . If [any one]_{5101-any one} could at that moment have told [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} that so simple a thing as [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} 's brief letter would one day come to be a link in that terrible chain of evidence afterward to be slowly forged in the only criminal case in which [he]_173-robert was ever to be concerned , perhaps [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert would have lifted [his]_173-robert eyebrows a little higher than usual . So [the two young men]_{4962-the two young men} left [London]_3-london the next day , with one portmanteau and a rod and tackle between [them]_{4962-the two young men} , and reached [the straggling , old - fashioned , fast - decaying village of [Audley]_{150-lady audley}]_{5105-the straggling , old - fashioned , fast - decaying village of audley} , in time to order a good dinner at [the Sun Inn]_{5106-the sun inn} . [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} was about three - quarters of a mile from [the village]_{5107-the village} , lying , as [I]_0-i have said , deep down in [the hollow]_{5108-the hollow} , shut in by luxuriant timber . [You]_5109-you could only reach [it]_{1-audley court} by [a cross - road bordered by trees]_{5110-a cross - road bordered by trees} , and as trimly kept as the avenues in [[a gentleman]_{4644-a gentleman} 's park]_{5112-a gentleman 's park} . [It]_{1-audley court} was a lonely place enough , even in all [its]_{1-audley court} rustic beauty , for so bright a creature as [the late Miss Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} , but [the generous baronet]_{5113-the generous baronet} had transformed [the interior of [the gray old mansion]_{5115-the gray old mansion}]_{5114-the interior of the gray old mansion} into [a little palace for [[his]_{5113-the generous baronet} young wife]_{5117-his young wife}]_{5116-a little palace for his young wife} , and [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} seemed as happy as [a child]_{4759-a child} surrounded by new and costly toys . In [her]_{150-lady audley} better fortunes , as in [her]_{150-lady audley} old days of dependence , wherever [she]_{150-lady audley} went [she]_{150-lady audley} seemed to take sunshine and gladness with [her]_{150-lady audley} . In spite of [Miss Alicia]_149-alicia 's undisguised contempt for [[her]_{150-lady audley} step - mother]_{5119-her step - mother} 's childishness and frivolity , [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} was better loved and more admired than [[the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's daughter]_{492-the baronet 's daughter} . That very childishness had a charm which few could resist . The innocence and candor of [an infant]_{5122-an infant} beamed in [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's fair face , and shone out of [her]_{150-lady audley} large and liquid blue eyes . The rosy lips , the delicate nose , the profusion of fair ringlets , all contributed to preserve to [her]_{150-lady audley} beauty the character of extreme youth and freshness . [She]_{150-lady audley} owned to twenty years of age , but it was hard to believe [her]_{150-lady audley} more than seventeen . [Her]_{150-lady audley} fragile figure , which [she]_{150-lady audley} loved to dress in heavy velvets , and stiff , rustling silks , till [she]_{150-lady audley} looked like [a child tricked out for a masquerade]_{5123-a child tricked out for a masquerade} , was as girlish as if [she]_{150-lady audley} had just left [the nursery]_{441-the nursery} . All [her]_{150-lady audley} amusements were childish . [She]_{150-lady audley} hated reading , or study of any kind , and loved society . Rather than be alone , [she]_{150-lady audley} would admit [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe into [her]_{150-lady audley} confidence , and loll on one of the sofas in [[her]_{150-lady audley} luxurious dressing - room]_{5125-her luxurious dressing - room} , discussing a new costume for some coming dinner - party ; or sit chattering to [the girl]_{753-the girl} with [her]_{150-lady audley} jewel - box beside [her]_{150-lady audley} , upon the satin cushions , and [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's presents spread out in [her]_{150-lady audley} lap , while [she]_{150-lady audley} counted and admired [her]_{150-lady audley} treasures . [She]_{150-lady audley} had appeared at several public balls at [Chelmsford]_{38-chelmsford} and [Colchester]_{39-colchester} , and was immediately established as [the belle of [the county]_{379-the county}]_{5127-the belle of the county} . Pleased with [her]_{150-lady audley} high position and [[her]_{150-lady audley} handsome house]_{5129-her handsome house} ; with every caprice gratified , every whim indulged ; admired and caressed wherever [she]_{150-lady audley} went ; fond of [[her]_{150-lady audley} generous husband]_{5130-her generous husband} ; rich in a noble allowance of pin - money ; with no poor relations to worry [her]_{150-lady audley} with claims upon [her]_{150-lady audley} purse or patronage ; it would have been hard to find in [the County of]_{435-the county of} [Essex]_2-essex [a more fortunate creature]_{5132-a more fortunate creature} than [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . [The two young men]_{4962-the two young men} loitered over the dinner - table in [the private sitting - room at [the Sun Inn]_{5106-the sun inn}]_{5134-the private sitting - room at the sun inn} . The windows were thrown wide open , and the fresh country air blew in upon [them]_{4962-the two young men} as [they]_{4962-the two young men} dined . The weather was lovely ; the foliage of [the woods]_{5136-the woods} touched here and there with faint gleams of the earliest tints of autumn ; the yellow corn still standing in some of [the fields]_{4773-the fields} , in others just falling under the shining sickle ; while in [the narrow lanes]_{5138-the narrow lanes} [you]_5139-you met [great wagons drawn by broad - chested cart - horses]_{5140-great wagons drawn by broad - chested cart - horses} , carrying [home the rich golden store]_{5141-home the rich golden store} . To [any one who has been , during the hot summer months , pent up in [London]_3-london]_{5142-any one who has been , during the hot summer months , pent up in london} , there is in the first taste of rustic life a kind of sensuous rapture scarcely to be described . [George Talboys]_157-george felt this , and in this [he]_157-george experienced the nearest approach to enjoyment that [he]_157-george had ever known since [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} 's death . The clock struck five as [they]_1013-they finished dinner . "_[0-i] Put on [your]_1010-your hat , [George]_157-george , " said [Robert Audley]_173-robert ; "_[157-george] [they]_1011-they do n't dine at [the Court]_{373-the court} till seven ; [we]_1013-they shall have time to stroll down and see [the old place]_{413-the old place} and [[its]_{413-the old place} inhabitants]_{1015-its inhabitants} . " [The landlord]_{5144-the landlord} , who had come into [the room]_{595-the room} with a bottle of wine , looked up as [the young man]_{667-the young man} spoke . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i beg [your]_1010-your pardon , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [he]_0-i said , "_[0-i] but if [you]_1010-your want to see [[your]_1010-your uncle]_{1016-your uncle} , [you]_1010-your 'll lose [your]_1010-your time by going to [the Court]_{373-the court} just now . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} and [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} and [Miss Alicia]_149-alicia have all gone to the races up at [Chorley]_40-chorley , and [they]_1019-they wo n't be back till nigh upon eight o'clock , most likely . [They]_1019-they must pass by here to go [home]_479-home . " Under these circumstances of course it was no use going to [the Court]_{373-the court} , so [the two young men]_{4962-the two young men} strolled through [the village]_{5107-the village} and looked at [the old church]_{5150-the old church} , and then went and reconnoitered [the streams]_{5151-the streams} in which [they]_{4962-the two young men} were to fish the next day , and by such means beguiled the time until after seven o'clock . At about a quarter past that hour [they]_{4962-the two young men} returned to [the inn]_{5152-the inn} , and seating [themselves]_{4962-the two young men} in the open window , lit [their]_{4962-the two young men} cigars and looked out at the peaceful prospect . [We]_5153-we hear every day of murders committed in [the country]_{474-the country} . Brutal and treacherous murders ; slow , protracted agonies from poisons administered by [some kindred hand]_{5155-some kindred hand} ; sudden and violent deaths by cruel blows , inflicted with a stake cut from some spreading oak , whose every shadow promised — peace . In [the county of]_{435-the county of} which [I]_{991-my uncle} write , [I]_{991-my uncle} have been shown [a meadow]_{5157-a meadow} in which , on a quiet summer Sunday evening , [a young farmer]_{5158-a young farmer} murdered [the girl who had loved and trusted [him]_{5158-a young farmer}]_{5159-the girl who had loved and trusted him} ; and yet , even now , with the stain of that foul deed upon it , the aspect of [the spot]_{5160-the spot} is — peace . No species of crime has ever been committed in [the worst rookeries about [Seven Dials]_{41-seven dials}]_{5161-the worst rookeries about seven dials} that has not been also done in the face of that rustic calm which still , in spite of all , [we]_5153-we look on with a tender , half - mournful yearning , and associate with — peace . It was dusk when gigs and chaises , [dog - carts]_{5162-dog - carts} and [clumsy farmers]_{5163-clumsy farmers} ' phaetons , began to rattle through [the village street]_{5164-the village street} , and under the windows of [the Sun Inn]_{5106-the sun inn} ; deeper dusk still when [an open carriage and four]_{5166-an open carriage and four} drew suddenly up beneath the rocking sign - post . It was [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} 's barouche which came to so sudden a stop before [the little inn]_{5167-the little inn} . The harness of [one of [the leaders]_{5169-the leaders}]_{5168-one of the leaders} had become out of order , and [the foremost postillion]_{5170-the foremost postillion} dismounted to set it right . "_{[991-my uncle]} Why , it 's [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} , " cried [Robert Audley]_173-robert , as [the carriage]_{5171-the carriage} stopped . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll run down and speak to [him]_{991-my uncle} . " [George]_157-george lit another cigar , and , sheltered by the window - curtains , looked out at [the little party]_{5172-the little party} . [Alicia]_149-alicia sat with [her]_149-alicia back to the horses , and [he]_173-robert could perceive , even in the dusk , that [she]_149-alicia was [a handsome brunette]_{5173-a handsome brunette} ; but [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} was seated on the side of [the carriage]_{5171-the carriage} furthest from [the inn]_{5152-the inn} , and [he]_173-robert could see nothing of [the fair - haired paragon of whom [he]_173-robert had heard so much]_{5176-the fair - haired paragon of whom he had heard so much} . "_[0-i] Why , [Robert]_173-robert , " exclaimed [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , as [[his]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} emerged from [the inn]_{5152-the inn} , "_[173-robert] this is a surprise ! " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have not come to intrude upon [you]_173-robert at [the Court]_{373-the court} , [[my]_0-i dear uncle]_{1023-my dear uncle} , " said [the young man]_{667-the young man} , as [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} shook [him]_173-robert by the hand in [his]_0-i own hearty fashion . "_[0-i] [Essex]_2-essex is [[my]_0-i native county]_{1024-my native county} , [you]_173-robert know , and about this time of year [I]_0-i generally have a touch of homesickness ; so [George]_157-george and [I]_0-i have come down to [the inn]_{5152-the inn} for two or three day 's fishing . " "_[157-george] [George]_157-george — [George]_157-george who ? " "_[157-george] [George Talboys]_157-george . " "_[157-george] What , has [he]_157-george come ? " cried [Alicia]_149-alicia . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm so glad ; for [I]_0-i 'm dying to see [this handsome young widower]_{1026-this handsome young widower} . " "_{[1026-this handsome young widower]} Are [you]_173-robert , [Alicia]_149-alicia ? " said [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} , "_[149-alicia] Then egad , [I]_0-i 'll run and fetch [him]_{1026-this handsome young widower} , and introduce [you]_173-robert to [him]_{1026-this handsome young widower} at once . " Now , so complete was the dominion which [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} had , in [her]_{150-lady audley} own childish , unthinking way , obtained over [[her]_{150-lady audley} devoted husband]_{5182-her devoted husband} , that it was very rarely that [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's eyes were long removed from [[his]_{465-the baronet} wife]_{554-his wife} 's pretty face . When [Robert]_173-robert , therefore , was about to re - enter [the inn]_{5152-the inn} , it needed but the faintest elevation of [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} 's eyebrows , with a charming expression of weariness and terror , to make [[her]_{150-lady audley} husband]_{469-her husband} aware that [she]_{150-lady audley} did not want to be bored by an introduction to [Mr. George Talboys]_157-george . "_[149-alicia] Never mind to - night , [Bob]_174-bob , " [he]_0-i said . "_[174-bob] [[My]_0-i wife]_{711-my wife} is a little tired after [our]_1028-our long day 's pleasure . Bring [[your]_174-bob friend]_{5065-your friend} to dinner to - morrow , and then [he]_{5065-your friend} and [Alicia]_149-alicia can make [each other]_{4890-each other} 's acquaintance . Come round and speak to [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , and then [we]_1028-our 'll drive [home]_479-home . " [[My]_174-bob lady]_{468-my lady} was so terribly fatigued that [she]_{468-my lady} could only smile sweetly , and hold out a tiny gloved hand to [[her]_{468-my lady} nephew]_{5188-her nephew} by marriage . "_[174-bob] [You]_174-bob will come and dine with [us]_1028-our to - morrow , and bring [[your]_174-bob interesting friend]_{1032-your interesting friend} ? " [she]_{468-my lady} said , in a low and tired voice . [She]_{468-my lady} had been [the chief attraction of the race - course]_{5189-the chief attraction of the race - course} , and was wearied out by the exertion of fascinating half [the county]_{379-the county} . "_[174-bob] It 's a wonder [she]_{150-lady audley} did n't treat [you]_174-bob to [her]_{150-lady audley} never - ending laugh , " whispered [Alicia]_149-alicia , as [she]_149-alicia leaned over the carriage - door to bid [Robert]_173-robert good - night ; "_{[150-lady audley]} but [I]_0-i dare say [she]_{150-lady audley} reserves that for [your]_174-bob delectation to - morrow . [I]_0-i suppose [you]_174-bob are fascinated as well as [everybody else]_{1033-everybody else} ? " added [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} , rather snappishly . "_[0-i] [She]_{150-lady audley} is [a lovely creature]_{1034-a lovely creature} , certainly , " murmured [Robert]_173-robert , with placid admiration . "_{[150-lady audley]} Oh , of course ! Now , [she]_{150-lady audley} is the first woman of whom [I]_0-i ever heard [you]_174-bob say a civil word , [Robert Audley]_173-robert . [I]_0-i 'm sorry to find [you]_174-bob can only admire [wax dolls]_{1035-wax dolls} . " [Poor Alicia]_190-alicia had had many skirmishes with [[her]_190-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} upon that particular temperament of [his]_173-robert , which , while it enabled [him]_173-robert to go through life with perfect content and tacit enjoyment , entirely precluded [his]_173-robert feeling one spark of enthusiasm upon any subject whatever . "_{[1035-wax dolls]} As to [his]_173-robert ever falling in love , " thought [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} sometimes , "_{[1035-wax dolls]} the idea is preposterous . If all the divinities on [earth]_1036-earth were ranged before [him]_173-robert , waiting for [his]_173-robert sultanship to throw the handkerchief , [he]_173-robert would only lift [his]_173-robert eyebrows to the middle of [his]_173-robert forehead , and tell [them]_1037-them to scramble for it . " But , for once in [his]_173-robert life , [Robert]_173-robert was almost enthusiastic . "_[1038-she] [She]_1038-she 's the prettiest little creature [you]_174-bob ever saw in [your]_174-bob life , [George]_157-george , " [he]_173-robert cried , when [the carriage]_{5171-the carriage} had driven off and [he]_173-robert returned to [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} . "_[157-george] Such blue eyes , such ringlets , such a ravishing smile , such a fairy - like bonnet — all of a - tremble with heart's - ease and dewy spangles , shining out of a cloud of gauze . [George Talboys]_157-george , [I]_0-i feel like [the hero of a French novel]_{1039-the hero of a french novel} : [I]_0-i am falling in love with [[my]_0-i aunt]_{1040-my aunt} . " [The widower]_{5196-the widower} only sighed and puffed [his]_173-robert cigar fiercely out of the open window . Perhaps [he]_173-robert was thinking of that far - away time — little better than five years ago , in fact ; but such an age gone by to [him]_173-robert — when [he]_173-robert first met [the woman for whom [he]_173-robert had worn crape round [his]_173-robert hat three days before]_{5197-the woman for whom he had worn crape round his hat three days before} . [They]_5198-they returned , all those old unforgotten feelings ; [they]_5198-they came back , with the scene of [their]_5198-they birth - place . Again [he]_173-robert lounged with [[his]_173-robert brother]_{5199-his brother} officers upon [the shabby pier at [the shabby watering - place]_{5201-the shabby watering - place}]_{5200-the shabby pier at the shabby watering - place} , listening to a dreary band with a cornet that was a note and a half flat . Again [he]_173-robert heard the old operatic airs , and again [she]_{5197-the woman for whom he had worn crape round his hat three days before} came tripping toward [him]_173-robert , leaning on [[her]_{5197-the woman for whom he had worn crape round his hat three days before} old father]_{5202-her old father} 's arm , and pretending ( with such a charming , delicious , serio - comic pretense ) to be listening to the music , and quite unaware of the admiration of [half a dozen open - mouthed cavalry officers]_{5203-half a dozen open - mouthed cavalry officers} . Again [the old fancy]_{5204-the old fancy} came back that [she]_{5197-the woman for whom he had worn crape round his hat three days before} was something too beautiful for earth , or earthly uses , and that to approach [her]_{5197-the woman for whom he had worn crape round his hat three days before} was to walk in a higher atmosphere and to breathe a purer air . And since this [she]_{5197-the woman for whom he had worn crape round his hat three days before} had been [[his]_173-robert wife]_{554-his wife} , and [the mother of [[his]_173-robert child]_{5089-his child}]_{5206-the mother of his child} . [She]_{5197-the woman for whom he had worn crape round his hat three days before} lay in [the little churchyard at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor]_{5208-the little churchyard at ventnor} , and only a year ago [he]_173-robert had given the order for [her]_{5197-the woman for whom he had worn crape round his hat three days before} tombstone . A few slow , silent tears dropped upon [his]_173-robert waistcoat as [he]_173-robert thought of these things in [the quiet and darkening room]_{5209-the quiet and darkening room} . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} was so exhausted when [she]_{150-lady audley} reached [home]_479-home , that [she]_{150-lady audley} excused [herself]_{150-lady audley} from the dinner - table , and retired at once to [[her]_{150-lady audley} dressing - room]_{5211-her dressing - room} , attended by [[her]_{150-lady audley} maid]_{761-her maid} , [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe . [She]_{150-lady audley} was a little capricious in [her]_{150-lady audley} conduct to [this maid]_{5213-this maid} — sometimes very confidential , sometimes rather reserved ; but [she]_{150-lady audley} was [a liberal mistress]_{5214-a liberal mistress} , and [the girl]_{753-the girl} had every reason to be satisfied with [her]_{753-the girl} situation . This evening , in spite of [her]_{150-lady audley} fatigue , [she]_{150-lady audley} was in extremely high spirits , and gave an animated account of the races , and [the company present at [them]_5217-them]_{5216-the company present at them} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i am tired to death , though , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , " [she]_{150-lady audley} said , by - and - by . "_[166-phoebe] [I]_0-i am afraid [I]_0-i must look a perfect fright , after a day in the hot sun . " There were lighted candles on each side of the glass before which [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} was standing unfastening [her]_{150-lady audley} dress . [She]_{150-lady audley} looked full at [[her]_{150-lady audley} maid]_{761-her maid} as [she]_{150-lady audley} spoke , [her]_{150-lady audley} blue eyes clear and bright , and the rosy childish lips puckered into an arch smile . "_[166-phoebe] [You]_166-phoebe are a little pale , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " answered [the girl]_{753-the girl} , "_[166-phoebe] but [you]_166-phoebe look as pretty as ever . " "_[166-phoebe] That 's right , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , " [she]_{150-lady audley} said , flinging [herself]_{150-lady audley} into a chair , and throwing back [her]_{150-lady audley} curls at [the maid , who stood , brush in hand , ready to arrange the luxuriant hair for the night]_{5220-the maid , who stood , brush in hand , ready to arrange the luxuriant hair for the night} . "_[166-phoebe] Do [you]_166-phoebe know , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , [I]_0-i have heard [some people]_{4635-some people} say that [you]_166-phoebe and [I]_0-i are alike ? " "_{[4635-some people]} [I]_0-i have heard [them]_{4635-some people} say so , too , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " said [the girl]_{753-the girl} , quietly "_{[4635-some people]} but [they]_{4635-some people} must be very stupid to say it , for [[your]_166-phoebe ladyship]_{1044-your ladyship} is [a beauty]_{1045-a beauty} , and [I]_0-i am [a poor , plain creature]_{1046-a poor , plain creature} . " "_{[1046-a poor , plain creature]} Not at all , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , " said [the little lady]_{5222-the little lady} , superbly ; "_{[1046-a poor , plain creature]} [you]_166-phoebe are like [me]_0-i , and [your]_166-phoebe features are very nice ; it is only color that [you]_166-phoebe want . [My]_0-i hair is pale yellow shot with gold , and yours is drab ; [my]_0-i eyebrows and eyelashes are dark brown , and yours are almost — [I]_0-i scarcely like to say it , but they 're almost white , [my]_0-i dear [Phoebe]_166-phoebe . [Your]_166-phoebe complexion is sallow , and [mine]_0-i is pink and rosy . Why , with a bottle of hair - dye , such as [we]_1047-we see advertised in the papers , and a pot of rouge , [you]_166-phoebe 'd be as good - looking as [I]_0-i , any day , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe . " [She]_{5222-the little lady} prattled on in this way for a long time , talking of a hundred different subjects , and ridiculing [the people [she]_{5222-the little lady} had met at the races]_{5223-the people she had met at the races} , for [[her]_{5222-the little lady} maid]_{761-her maid} 's amusement . [[Her]_{5222-the little lady} step - daughter]_{5225-her step - daughter} came into [the dressing - room]_{5226-the dressing - room} to bid [her]_{5225-her step - daughter} good - night , and found [the maid]_{5227-the maid} and [mistress]_{5228-mistress} laughing aloud over one of the day 's adventures . [Alicia]_190-alicia , who was never familiar with [[her]_190-alicia servants]_{5229-her servants} , withdrew in disgust at [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} 's frivolity . "_[166-phoebe] Go on brushing [my]_0-i hair , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} said , every time [the girl]_{753-the girl} was about to complete [her]_{753-the girl} task , "_[166-phoebe] [I]_0-i quite enjoy a chat with [you]_166-phoebe . " At last , just as [she]_{150-lady audley} had dismissed [[her]_{150-lady audley} maid]_{761-her maid} , [she]_{150-lady audley} suddenly called [her]_166-phoebe back . "_[166-phoebe] [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , " [she]_{150-lady audley} said , "_[166-phoebe] [I]_0-i want [you]_166-phoebe to do [me]_0-i a favor . " "_[166-phoebe] Yes , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . " "_[166-phoebe] [I]_0-i want [you]_166-phoebe to go to [London]_3-london by [the first train]_{873-the first train} to - morrow morning to execute a little commission for [me]_0-i . [You]_166-phoebe may take a day 's holiday afterward , as [I]_0-i know [you]_166-phoebe have [[friends]_1050-friends in [town]_864-town]_{1051-friends in town} ; and [I]_0-i shall give [you]_166-phoebe a five - pound note if [you]_166-phoebe do what [I]_0-i want , and keep [your]_166-phoebe own counsel about it . " "_{[468-my lady]} Yes , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . " "_{[468-my lady]} See that that door is securely shut , and come and sit on this stool at [my]_0-i feet . " [The girl]_{753-the girl} obeyed . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} smoothed [[her]_{150-lady audley} maid]_{761-her maid} 's neutral - tinted hair with [her]_{150-lady audley} plump , white , and bejeweled hand as [she]_{150-lady audley} reflected for a few moments . "_{[468-my lady]} And now listen , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe . What [I]_0-i want [you]_166-phoebe to do is very simple . " It was so simple that it was told in five minutes , and then [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} retired into [[her]_{150-lady audley} bed - room]_{5235-her bed - room} , and curled [herself]_{150-lady audley} up cozily under the eider - down quilt . [She]_{150-lady audley} was [a chilly creature]_{5236-a chilly creature} , and loved to bury [herself]_{150-lady audley} in soft wrappings of satin and fur . "_[0-i] Kiss [me]_0-i , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , " [she]_{150-lady audley} said , as [the girl]_{753-the girl} arranged the curtains . "_[166-phoebe] [I]_0-i hear [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's step in the anteroom ; [you]_166-phoebe will meet [him]_{146-sir michael} as [you]_166-phoebe go out , and [you]_166-phoebe may as well tell [him]_{146-sir michael} that [you]_166-phoebe are going up by [the first train]_{873-the first train} to - morrow morning to get [my]_0-i dress from [Madam Frederick]_{191-madam frederick} for the dinner at [Morton Abbey]_{42-morton abbey} . " It was late the next morning when [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} went down to breakfast — past ten o'clock . While [she]_{150-lady audley} was sipping [her]_{150-lady audley} coffee [a servant]_{5238-a servant} brought [her]_{150-lady audley} a sealed packet , and a book for [her]_{150-lady audley} to sign . "_{[191-madam frederick]} A telegraphic message ! " [she]_{150-lady audley} cried ; for the convenient word telegram had not yet been invented . "_{[191-madam frederick]} What can be the matter ? " [She]_{150-lady audley} looked up at [[her]_{150-lady audley} husband]_{469-her husband} with wide - open , terrified eyes , and seemed half afraid to break the seal . The envelope was addressed to [Miss Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} , at [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} 's , and had been sent on from [the village]_{5107-the village} . "_{[191-madam frederick]} Read it , [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} , " [he]_0-i said , "_{[191-madam frederick]} and do not be alarmed ; it may be nothing of any importance . " It came from [a Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} , [the schoolmistress with whom [she]_{150-lady audley} had lived before entering [[Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} 's family]_{760-mr. dawson 's family}]_{5241-the schoolmistress with whom she had lived before entering mr. dawson 's family} . [The lady]_{673-the lady} was dangerously ill , and implored [[her]_{673-the lady} old pupil]_{5244-her old pupil} to go and see [her]_{673-the lady} . "_{[1056-poor soul]} [Poor soul]_{1056-poor soul} ! [she]_{1056-poor soul} always meant to leave [me]_0-i [her]_{1056-poor soul} money , " said [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} , with a mournful smile . "_{[1056-poor soul]} [She]_{1056-poor soul} has never heard of the change in [my]_0-i fortunes . [Dear Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , [I]_0-i must go to [her]_{1056-poor soul} . " "_{[146-sir michael]} To be sure [you]_{146-sir michael} must , dearest . If [she]_{1056-poor soul} was kind to [[my]_0-i poor girl]_{718-my poor girl} in [her]_{1056-poor soul} adversity , [she]_{1056-poor soul} has a claim upon [her]_{1056-poor soul} prosperity that shall never be forgotten . Put on [your]_{146-sir michael} bonnet , [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} ; [we]_1058-we shall be in time to catch the express . " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i will go with [me]_0-i ? " "_[0-i] Of course , [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} . Do [you]_0-i suppose [I]_0-i would let [you]_0-i go alone ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i was sure [you]_{146-sir michael} would go with [me]_0-i , " [she]_{152-miss graham} said , thoughtfully . "_[0-i] Does [[your]_{146-sir michael} friend]_{5065-your friend} send any address ? " "_{[5065-your friend]} No ; but [she]_{5065-your friend} always lived at [Crescent Villa]_{43-crescent villa} , [West Brompton]_{44-west brompton} ; and no doubt [she]_{5065-your friend} lives [there]_374-there still . " There was only time for [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} to hurry on [her]_{150-lady audley} bonnet and shawl before [she]_{150-lady audley} heard [the carriage]_{5171-the carriage} drive round to the door , and [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} calling to [her]_{150-lady audley} at the foot of the staircase . [[Her]_{150-lady audley} suite of rooms]_{5246-her suite of rooms} , as [I]_{5065-your friend} have said , opened one out of another , and terminated in an octagon antechamber hung with oil - paintings . Even in [her]_{150-lady audley} haste [she]_{150-lady audley} paused deliberately at the door of [this room]_{5247-this room} , double - locked it , and dropped the key into [her]_{150-lady audley} pocket . This door once locked cut off all access to [[[my]_{5065-your friend} lady]_{468-my lady} 's apartments]_{4831-my lady 's apartments} . So the dinner at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} was postponed , and [Miss Alicia]_149-alicia had to wait still longer for an introduction to [the handsome young widower]_{5250-the handsome young widower} , [Mr. George Talboys]_157-george . [I]_{5065-your friend} am afraid , if the real truth is to be told , there was , perhaps , something of affectation in the anxiety [this young lady]_{5251-this young lady} expressed to make [George]_157-george 's acquaintance ; but if [poor Alicia]_149-alicia for a moment calculated upon arousing any latent spark of jealousy lurking in [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} 's breast by this exhibition of interest , [she]_149-alicia was not so well acquainted with [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's disposition as [she]_149-alicia might have been . Indolent , handsome , and indifferent , [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} took life as altogether too absurd a mistake for any one event in its foolish course to be for a moment considered seriously by [a sensible man]_{5254-a sensible man} . [[His]_173-robert pretty , gipsy - faced cousin]_{5255-his pretty , gipsy - faced cousin} might have been over head and ears in love with [him]_173-robert ; and [she]_{5255-his pretty , gipsy - faced cousin} might have told [him]_173-robert so , in some charming , roundabout , womanly fashion , a hundred times a day for all the three hundred and sixty - five days in the year ; but unless [she]_{5255-his pretty , gipsy - faced cousin} had waited for some privileged 29th of February , and walked straight up to [him]_173-robert , saying , "_{[5065-your friend]} [Robert]_173-robert , please will [you]_173-robert marry [me]_0-i ? " [I]_173-robert very much doubt if [he]_173-robert would ever have discovered the state of [her]_{5255-his pretty , gipsy - faced cousin} feelings . Again , had [he]_173-robert been in love with [her]_{5255-his pretty , gipsy - faced cousin} [himself]_173-robert , [I]_173-robert fancy that the tender passion would , with [him]_173-robert , have been so vague and feeble a sentiment that [he]_173-robert might have gone down to [his]_173-robert grave with a dim sense of some uneasy sensation which might be love or indigestion , and with , beyond this , no knowledge whatever of [his]_173-robert state . So it was not the least use , [[my]_173-robert poor [Alicia]_149-alicia]_{5256-my poor alicia} , to ride about [the lanes around [Audley]_{150-lady audley}]_{5257-the lanes around audley} during those three days which [the two young men]_{4962-the two young men} spent in [Essex]_2-essex ; it was wasted trouble to wear that pretty cavalier hat and plume , and to be always , by the most singular of chances , meeting [Robert]_173-robert and [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} . The black curls ( nothing like [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's feathery ringlets , but heavy clustering locks , that clung about [your]_5260-your slender brown throat ) , the red and pouting lips , the nose inclined to be retrousse , the dark complexion , with its bright crimson flush , always ready to glance up like a signal light in a dusky sky , when [you]_5260-your came suddenly upon [[your]_5260-your apathetic cousin]_{5261-your apathetic cousin} — all this coquettish espiegle , brunette beauty was thrown away upon the dull eyes of [Robert Audley]_173-robert , and [you]_5260-your might as well have taken [your]_5260-your rest in [the cool drawing - room at [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{5262-the cool drawing - room at the court} , instead of working [your]_5260-your pretty mare to death under the hot September sun . Now fishing , except to [the devoted disciple of [Izaak Walton]_{193-izaak walton}]_{5264-the devoted disciple of izaak walton} , is not the most lively of occupations ; therefore , it is scarcely , perhaps , to be wondered that on the day after [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's departure , [the two young men]_{4962-the two young men} ( one of whom was disabled by that heart wound which [he]_173-robert bore so quietly , from really taking pleasure in anything , and [the other of whom looked upon almost all pleasure as a negative kind of trouble]_{5266-the other of whom looked upon almost all pleasure as a negative kind of trouble} ) began to grow weary of the shade of the willows overhanging [the winding streams about [Audley]_{150-lady audley}]_{5267-the winding streams about audley} . "_[173-robert] [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} is not gay in the long vacation , " said [Robert]_173-robert , reflectively : "_[0-i] but [I]_0-i think , upon the whole , it 's better than this ; at any rate , it 's near [a tobacconist]_{1062-a tobacconist} 's , " [he]_173-robert added , puffing resignedly at an execrable cigar procured from [the landlord of [the Sun Inn]_{5106-the sun inn}]_{5268-the landlord of the sun inn} . [George Talboys]_157-george , who had only consented to the [Essex]_2-essex expedition in passive submission to [[his]_157-george friend]_{4909-his friend} , was by no means inclined to object to [their]_5271-their immediate return to [London]_3-london . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i shall be glad to get back , [Bob]_174-bob , " [he]_0-i said , "_[174-bob] for [I]_0-i want to take a run down to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} ; [I]_0-i have n't seen [the little one]_{1063-the little one} for upward of a month . " [He]_0-i always spoke of [[his]_0-i son]_{4957-his son} as "_{[1063-the little one]} [the little one]_{1063-the little one} ; " always spoke of [him]_{4957-his son} mournfully rather than hopefully . [He]_0-i accounted for this by saying that [he]_0-i had a fancy that [the child]_{5037-the child} would never learn to love [him]_0-i ; and worse even than this fancy , a dim presentiment that [he]_0-i would not live to see [his]_0-i little [Georgey]_187-georgey reach manhood . "_{[1063-the little one]} [I]_0-i 'm not [a romantic man]_{1065-a romantic man} , [Bob]_174-bob , " [he]_0-i would say sometimes , "_[174-bob] and [I]_0-i never read a line of poetry in [my]_0-i life that was any more to [me]_0-i than so many words and so much jingle ; but a feeling has come over [me]_0-i , since [[my]_0-i wife]_{711-my wife} 's death , that [I]_0-i am like [a man standing upon]_{1067-a man standing upon} [a long , low shore]_{1068-a long , low shore} , with hideous cliffs frowning down upon [him]_0-i from behind , and the rising tide crawling slowly but surely about [his]_0-i feet . It seems to grow nearer and nearer every day , that black , pitiless tide ; not rushing upon [me]_0-i with a great noise and a mighty impetus , but crawling , creeping , stealing , gliding toward [me]_0-i , ready to close in above [my]_0-i head when [I]_0-i am least prepared for the end . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert stared at [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} in silent amazement ; and , after a pause of profound deliberation , said solemnly , "_[157-george] [George Talboys]_157-george , [I]_0-i could understand this if [you]_157-george had been eating heavy suppers . Cold pork , now , especially if underdone , might produce this sort of thing . [You]_157-george want change of air , [[my]_0-i dear boy]_{899-my dear boy} ; [you]_157-george want the refreshing breezes of [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} , and the soothing air of [Fleet street]_{24-fleet street} . Or , stay , " [he]_0-i added , suddenly , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have it ! [You]_157-george 've been smoking [[our]_1070-they friend]_{1071-our friend} [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} 's cigars ; that accounts for everything . " [They]_1070-they met [Alicia Audley]_149-alicia on [her]_149-alicia mare about half an hour after [they]_1070-they had come to the determination of leaving [Essex]_2-essex early the next morning . [The young lady]_{5100-the young lady} was very much surprised and disappointed at hearing [[her]_{5100-the young lady} cousin]_{790-her cousin} 's determination , and for that very reason pretended to take the matter with supreme indifference . "_[157-george] [You]_157-george are very soon tired of [Audley]_{150-lady audley} , [Robert]_173-robert , " [she]_{5100-the young lady} said , carelessly ; "_[173-robert] but of course [you]_157-george have [no friends]_{1073-no friends} [here]_4776-here , except [[your]_157-george relations at [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{1075-your relations at the court} ; while in [London]_3-london , no doubt , [you]_157-george have the most delightful society and — " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i get good tobacco , " murmured [Robert]_173-robert , interrupting [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} . "_[0-i] [Audley]_{150-lady audley} is [the dearest old place]_{1077-the dearest old place} , but when [a man]_{445-a man} has to smoke dried cabbage leaves , [you]_157-george know , [Alicia]_149-alicia — " "_[149-alicia] Then [you]_157-george are really going to - morrow morning ? " "_[157-george] Positively — by [the express train that leaves]_{1079-the express train that leaves} at 10.50 . " "_[149-alicia] Then [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} will lose an introduction to [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , and [Mr. Talboys]_157-george will lose the chance of seeing [the prettiest woman in [Essex]_2-essex]_{1080-the prettiest woman in essex} . " "_{[1080-the prettiest woman in essex]} Really — " stammered [George]_157-george . "_{[1080-the prettiest woman in essex]} [The prettiest woman in [Essex]_2-essex]_{1080-the prettiest woman in essex} would have a poor chance of getting much admiration out of [[my]_0-i friend]_{836-my friend} , [George Talboys]_157-george , " said [Robert]_173-robert . "_[157-george] [His]_{836-my friend} heart is at [Southampton]_{33-southampton} , where [he]_{836-my friend} has a curly - headed little urchin , about as high as [his]_{836-my friend} knee , who calls [him]_{836-my friend} ' [the big gentleman]_{1083-the big gentleman} , ' and asks [him]_{836-my friend} for sugar - plums . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i am going to write to [[my]_0-i step - mother]_{1084-my step - mother} by to - night 's post , " said [Alicia]_149-alicia . "_{[1084-my step - mother]} [She]_{1084-my step - mother} asked [me]_0-i particularly in [her]_{1084-my step - mother} letter how long [you]_0-i were going to stop , and whether there was any chance of [her]_{1084-my step - mother} being back in time to receive [you]_0-i . " [Miss Audley]_149-alicia took a letter from the pocket of [her]_{1084-my step - mother} riding - jacket as [she]_{1084-my step - mother} spoke — a pretty , fairy - like note , written on shining paper of a peculiar creamy hue . "_{[1084-my step - mother]} [She]_{1084-my step - mother} says in [her]_{1084-my step - mother} postcript , ' Be sure [you]_0-i answer [my]_0-i question about [Mr. Audley]_173-robert and [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} , [you]_0-i volatile , forgetful [Alicia]_149-alicia ! ' " "_[149-alicia] What a pretty hand [she]_{1084-my step - mother} writes ! " said [Robert]_173-robert , as [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} folded the note . "_[149-alicia] Yes , it is pretty , is it not ? Look at it , [Robert]_173-robert . " [She]_{1084-my step - mother} put the letter into [his]_173-robert hand , and [he]_173-robert contemplated it lazily for a few minutes , while [Alicia]_149-alicia patted the graceful neck of [her]_149-alicia chestnut mare , which was anxious to be off once more . "_[173-robert] Presently , [Atalanta]_45-atalanta , presently . Give [me]_0-i back [my]_0-i note , [Bob]_174-bob . " "_[174-bob] It is the prettiest , most coquettish little hand [I]_0-i ever saw . Do [you]_149-alicia know , [Alicia]_149-alicia , [I]_0-i have no great belief in [those fellows who ask [you]_149-alicia for thirteen postage stamps , and offer to tell [you]_149-alicia what [you]_149-alicia have never been able to find out [yourself]_149-alicia]_{1086-those fellows who ask you for thirteen postage stamps , and offer to tell you what you have never been able to find out yourself} ; but upon [my]_0-i word [I]_0-i think that if [I]_0-i had never seen [[your]_149-alicia aunt]_{1087-your aunt} , [I]_0-i should know what [she]_{1087-your aunt} was like by this slip of paper . Yes , here it all is — the feathery , gold - shot , flaxen curls , the penciled eyebrows , the tiny , straight nose , the winning , childish smile ; all to be guessed in these few graceful up - strokes and down - strokes . [George]_157-george , look here ! " But absent - minded and gloomy [George Talboys]_157-george had strolled away along the margin of [the ditch]_{5279-the ditch} , and stood striking the bulrushes with [his]_157-george cane , half a dozen paces away from [Robert]_173-robert and [Alicia]_149-alicia . "_[157-george] Nevermind , " said [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} , impatiently ; for [she]_{5100-the young lady} by no means relished this long disquisition upon [[my]_157-george lady]_{468-my lady} 's note . "_[157-george] Give [me]_0-i the letter , and let [me]_0-i go ; it 's past eight , and [I]_0-i must answer it by to - night 's post . Come , [Atalanta]_45-atalanta ! Good - by , [Robert]_173-robert — good - by , [Mr. Talboys]_157-george . A pleasant journey to [town]_864-town . " The chestnut mare cantered briskly through [the lane]_{5282-the lane} , and [Miss Audley]_149-alicia was out of sight before those two big , bright tears that stood in [her]_149-alicia eyes for one moment , before [her]_149-alicia pride sent them , back again , rose from [her]_149-alicia angry heart . "_[157-george] To have only [one cousin in [the world]_{519-the world}]_{1089-one cousin in the world} , " [she]_149-alicia cried , passionately , "_[173-robert] [[my]_0-i nearest relation]_{1091-my nearest relation} after [papa]_1002-papa , and for [him]_1002-papa to care about as much for [me]_0-i as [he]_1002-papa would for a dog ! " By the merest of accidents , however , [Robert]_173-robert and [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} did not go by the 10.50 express on the following morning , for [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} awoke with such a splitting headache , that [he]_{5094-the young barrister} asked [George]_157-george to send [him]_{5094-the young barrister} a cup of the strongest green tea that had ever been made at the Sun , and to be furthermore so good as to defer [their]_5285-their journey until the next day . Of course [George]_157-george assented , and [Robert Audley]_173-robert spent the forenoon in [a darkened room]_{5286-a darkened room} with a five - days'-old [Chelmsford]_{38-chelmsford} paper to entertain [himself]_173-robert withal . "_[1002-papa] It 's nothing but the cigars , [George]_157-george , " [he]_173-robert said , repeatedly . "_[157-george] Get [me]_0-i out of [the place]_{385-the place} without [my]_0-i seeing [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} ; for if [that man]_{1095-that man} and [I]_0-i meet there will be bloodshed . " Fortunately for the peace of [Audley]_{150-lady audley} , it happened to be market - day at [Chelmsford]_{38-chelmsford} ; and [the worthy landlord]_{5287-the worthy landlord} had ridden off in [his]_{5287-the worthy landlord} chaise - cart to purchase supplies for [[his]_{5287-the worthy landlord} house]_{447-his house} — among other things , perhaps , a fresh stock of those very cigars which had been so fatal in [their]_5289-their effect upon [Robert]_173-robert . [The young men]_{4930-the young men} spent a dull , dawdling , stupid , unprofitable day ; and toward dusk [Mr. Audley]_173-robert proposed that [they]_{4930-the young men} should stroll down to [the Court]_{373-the court} , and ask [Alicia]_149-alicia to take [them]_{4930-the young men} over [the house]_{388-the house} . "_[157-george] It will kill a couple of hours , [you]_1096-you know , [George]_157-george : and it seems a great pity to drag [you]_1096-you away from [Audley]_{150-lady audley} without having shown [you]_1096-you [the old place]_{413-the old place} , which , [I]_0-i give [you]_1096-you [my]_0-i honor , is very well worth seeing . " The sun was low in the skies as [they]_{4930-the young men} took a short cut through [the meadows]_{776-the meadows} , and crossed a stile into [the avenue]_{754-the avenue} leading to the archway — a lurid , heavy - looking , ominous sunset , and a deathly stillness in the air , which frightened the birds that had a mind to sing , and left [the field]_{5295-the field} open to a few captious frogs croaking in the ditches . Still as the atmosphere was , the leaves rustled with that sinister , shivering motion which proceeds from no outer cause , but is rather an instinctive shudder of the frail branches , prescient of a coming storm . That stupid clock , which knew no middle course , and always skipped from one hour to the other , pointed to seven as [the young men]_{4930-the young men} passed under the archway ; but , for all that , it was nearer eight . [They]_{4930-the young men} found [Alicia]_149-alicia in [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} , wandering listlessly up and down under the black shadow of the trees , from which every now and then a withered leaf flapped slowly to the ground . Strange to say , [George Talboys]_157-george , who very seldom observed anything , took particular notice of [this place]_{5298-this place} . "_[0-i] It ought to be [an avenue in [a churchyard]_{1099-a churchyard}]_{1098-an avenue in a churchyard} , " [he]_157-george said . "_[0-i] How peacefully [the dead]_{1100-the dead} might sleep under this somber shade ! [I]_0-i wish [the churchyard at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor]_{1101-the churchyard at ventnor} was like this . " [They]_{4930-the young men} walked on to [the ruined well]_{5299-the ruined well} ; and [Alicia]_149-alicia told [them]_{4930-the young men} some old legend connected with the spot — some gloomy story , such as those always attached to [an old house]_{5300-an old house} , as if the past were one dark page of sorrow and crime . "_[0-i] [We]_1102-we want to see [the house]_{388-the house} before it is dark , [Alicia]_149-alicia , " said [Robert]_173-robert . "_[149-alicia] Then [we]_1102-we must be quick . " [she]_149-alicia answered . "_[149-alicia] Come . " [She]_149-alicia led the way through an open French window , modernized a few years before , into [the library]_{5301-the library} , and thence to [the hall]_{804-the hall} . In [the hall]_{804-the hall} [they]_{4930-the young men} passed [[my]_149-alicia lady 's pale - faced maid]_{5304-my lady 's pale - faced maid} , who looked furtively under [her]_{5304-my lady 's pale - faced maid} white eyelashes at [the two young men]_{4962-the two young men} . [They]_{4930-the young men} were going up - [stairs]_5306-stairs , when [Alicia]_149-alicia turned and spoke to [the girl]_{753-the girl} . "_[149-alicia] After [we]_1102-we have been in [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} , [I]_0-i should like to show [these gentlemen]_{1105-these gentlemen} [[Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's rooms]_{1106-lady audley 's rooms} . Are [they]_{1106-lady audley 's rooms} in good order , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe ? " "_[1107-miss] Yes , [miss]_1107-miss ; but the door of [the anteroom]_{1108-the anteroom} is locked , and [I]_0-i fancy that [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} has taken the key to [London]_3-london . " "_{[468-my lady]} Taken the key ! Impossible ! " cried [Alicia]_149-alicia . "_{[468-my lady]} Indeed , [miss]_1107-miss , [I]_0-i think [she]_{468-my lady} has . [I]_0-i can not find it , and it always used to be in the door . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i declare , " said [Alicia]_149-alicia , impatiently , "_[0-i] that is not at all unlike [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} to have taken [this silly freak]_{1112-this silly freak} into [her]_{468-my lady} head . [I]_0-i dare say [she]_{468-my lady} was afraid [we]_1113-we should go into [[her]_{468-my lady} rooms]_{1114-her rooms} , and pry about among [her]_{468-my lady} pretty dresses , and meddle with [her]_{468-my lady} jewelry . It is very provoking , for the best pictures in [the house]_{388-the house} are in that antechamber . There is [her]_{468-my lady} own portrait , too , unfinished but wonderfully like . " "_{[468-my lady]} [Her]_{468-my lady} portrait ! " exclaimed [Robert Audley]_173-robert . "_{[468-my lady]} [I]_0-i would give anything to see it , for [I]_0-i have only an imperfect notion of [her]_{468-my lady} face . Is there no other way of getting into [the room]_{595-the room} , [Alicia]_149-alicia ? " "_[149-alicia] Another way ? " "_[149-alicia] Yes ; is there any door , leading through [some of [the other rooms]_{1118-the other rooms} , by which [we]_1113-we can contrive to get into [hers]_{468-my lady}]_{1117-some of the other rooms , by which we can contrive to get into hers} ? " [[His]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} shook [her]_{786-his cousin} head , and conducted [them]_1113-we into [a corridor]_{5309-a corridor} where there were some family portraits . [She]_{786-his cousin} showed [them]_1113-we [a tapestried chamber]_{5310-a tapestried chamber} , the large figures upon the faded canvas looking threatening in the dusky light . "_{[1119-that fellow with the battle - ax]} [That fellow with the battle - ax]_{1119-that fellow with the battle - ax} looks as if [he]_{1119-that fellow with the battle - ax} wanted to split [George]_157-george 's head open , " said [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , pointing to a fierce warrior , whose uplifted arm appeared above [George Talboys]_157-george ' dark hair . "_[157-george] Come out of [this room]_{5247-this room} , [Alicia]_149-alicia , " added [the young man]_{667-the young man} , nervously ; "_[149-alicia] [I]_0-i believe it 's damp , or else haunted . Indeed , [I]_0-i believe all ghosts to be the result of damp or dyspepsia . [You]_1121-you sleep in a damp bed — [you]_1121-you awake suddenly in the dead of the night with a cold shiver , and see [an old lady in the court costume of [George]_157-george the First 's time , sitting at the foot of the bed]_{1122-an old lady in the court costume of george the first 's time , sitting at the foot of the bed} . [The old lady]_{1123-the old lady} 's indigestion , and the cold shiver is a damp sheet . " There were lighted candles in [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} . No new - fangled lamps had ever made their appearance at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} . [[Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's rooms]_{5313-sir michael 's rooms} were lighted by honest , thick , yellow - looking wax candles , in massive silver candlesticks , and in sconces against the walls . There was very little to see in [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} ; and [George Talboys]_157-george soon grew tired of staring at the handsome modern furniture , and at a few pictures of [some of [the Academicians]_{5316-the academicians}]_{5315-some of the academicians} . "_{[1123-the old lady]} Is n't there [a secret passage]_{1124-a secret passage} , or an old oak chest , or something of that kind , somewhere about [the place]_{385-the place} , [Alicia]_149-alicia ? " asked [Robert]_173-robert . "_[149-alicia] To be sure ! " cried [Miss Audley]_149-alicia , with a vehemence that startled [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} ; "_[149-alicia] of course . Why did n't [I]_0-i think of it before ? How stupid of [me]_0-i , to be sure ! " "_[0-i] Why stupid ? " "_[0-i] Because , if [you]_1126-you do n't mind crawling upon [your]_1126-you hands and knees , [you]_1126-you can see [[[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's apartments]_{4831-my lady 's apartments} , for [that passage]_{1129-that passage} communicates with [[her]_{468-my lady} dressing - room]_{5211-her dressing - room} . [She]_{468-my lady} does n't know of it [herself]_{468-my lady} , [I]_0-i believe . How astonished [she]_{468-my lady} 'd be if [some black - visored burglar , with a dark - lantern]_{1131-some black - visored burglar , with a dark - lantern} , were to rise through the floor some night as [she]_{468-my lady} sat before [her]_{468-my lady} looking - glass , having [her]_{468-my lady} hair dressed for a party ! " "_{[468-my lady]} Shall [we]_1132-we try [the secret passage]_{1133-the secret passage} , [George]_157-george ? " asked [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . "_[157-george] Yes , if [you]_157-george wish it . " [Alicia]_149-alicia led [them]_1132-we into [the room which had once been [[her]_{468-my lady} nursery]_{5319-her nursery}]_{5318-the room which had once been her nursery} . [It]_{5318-the room which had once been her nursery} was now disused , except on very rare occasions when [the house]_{388-the house} was full of [company]_5321-company . [Robert Audley]_173-robert lifted a corner of the carpet , according to [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} 's directions , and disclosed a rudely - cut trap - door in the oak flooring . "_[157-george] Now listen to [me]_0-i , " said [Alicia]_149-alicia . "_[0-i] [You]_1134-you must let [yourself]_1134-you down by the hands into [the passage]_{675-the passage} , which is about four feet high ; stoop [your]_1134-you head , walk straight along it till [you]_1134-you come to a sharp turn which will take [you]_1134-you to the left , and at the extreme end of it [you]_1134-you will find a short ladder below a trap - door like this , which [you]_1134-you will have to unbolt ; that door opens into the flooring of [[[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's dressing - room]_{1137-my lady 's dressing - room} , which is only covered with a square Persian carpet that [you]_1134-you can easily manage to raise . [You]_1134-you understand [me]_0-i ? " "_[1134-you] Perfectly . " "_[1134-you] Then take the light ; [Mr. Talboys]_157-george will follow [you]_1134-you . [I]_0-i give [you]_1134-you twenty minutes for [your]_1134-you inspection of the paintings — that is , about a minute apiece — and at the end of that time [I]_0-i shall expect to see [you]_1134-you return . " [Robert]_173-robert obeyed [her]_{468-my lady} implicitly , and [George]_157-george submissively following [[his]_157-george friend]_{4909-his friend} , found [himself]_157-george , in five minutes , standing amidst the elegant disorder of [[Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's dressing - room]_{5324-lady audley 's dressing - room} . [She]_{150-lady audley} had left [the house]_{388-the house} in a hurry on [her]_{150-lady audley} unlooked - for journey to [London]_3-london , and the whole of [her]_{150-lady audley} glittering toilette apparatus lay about on the marble dressing - table . The atmosphere of [the room]_{595-the room} was almost oppressive for the rich odors of perfumes in bottles whose gold stoppers had not been replaced . A bunch of hot - house flowers was withering upon a tiny writing - table . Two or three handsome dresses lay in a heap upon the ground , and the open doors of a wardrobe revealed the treasures within . Jewelry , ivory - backed hair - brushes , and exquisite china were scattered here and there about [the apartment]_{5327-the apartment} . [George Talboys]_157-george saw [his]_157-george bearded face and tall , gaunt figure reflected in the glass , and wondered to see how out of place [he]_157-george seemed among all these womanly luxuries . [They]_5328-they went from [the dressing - room]_{5226-the dressing - room} to [the boudoir]_{5330-the boudoir} , and through [the boudoir]_{5330-the boudoir} into [the ante - chamber]_{5332-the ante - chamber} , in which there were , as [Alicia]_149-alicia had said , about twenty valuable paintings , besides [[my]_1134-you lady]_{468-my lady} 's portrait . [[My]_1134-you lady]_{468-my lady} 's portrait stood on an easel , covered with a green baize in the center of [the octagonal chamber]_{819-the octagonal chamber} . It had been a fancy of [the artist]_{5336-the artist} to paint [her]_{468-my lady} standing in [this very room]_{5337-this very room} , and to make [his]_{5336-the artist} background a faithful reproduction of the pictured walls . [I]_1134-you am afraid [the young man]_{667-the young man} belonged to [the pre - Raphaelite brotherhood]_{5339-the pre - raphaelite brotherhood} , for [he]_{667-the young man} had spent a most unconscionable time upon the accessories of this picture — upon [[my]_1134-you lady]_{468-my lady} 's crispy ringlets and the heavy folds of [her]_{468-my lady} crimson velvet dress . [The two young men]_{4962-the two young men} looked at the paintings on the walls first , leaving this unfinished portrait for [a bonne bouche]_{5342-a bonne bouche} . By this time it was dark , the candle carried by [Robert]_173-robert only making one nucleus of light as [he]_173-robert moved about holding it before the pictures one by one . The broad , bare window looked out upon the pale sky , tinged with the last cold flicker of the twilight . The ivy rustled against the glass with the same ominous shiver as that which agitated every leaf in [the garden]_{452-the garden} , prophetic of the storm that was to come . "_[1134-you] There are [[our]_1138-us friend]_{1071-our friend} 's eternal white horses , " said [Robert]_173-robert , standing beside [a Wouvermans]_{171-wouvermans} . "_{[194-nicholas poussin]} [Nicholas Poussin]_{194-nicholas poussin} — [Salvator — ha — hum]_{1140-salvator — ha — hum} ! Now for the portrait . " [He]_173-robert paused with [his]_173-robert hand on the baize , and solemnly addressed [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} . "_[157-george] [George Talboys]_157-george , " [he]_0-i said , "_[157-george] [we]_1138-us have between [us]_1138-us only one wax candle , a very inadequate light with which to look at a painting . Let [me]_0-i , therefore , request that [you]_157-george will suffer [us]_1138-us to look at it one at a time ; if there is one thing more disagreeable than another , it is to have [a person dodging behind [your]_157-george back and peering over [your]_157-george shoulder]_{1141-a person dodging behind your back and peering over your shoulder} , when [you]_157-george 're trying to see what a picture 's made of . " [George]_157-george fell back immediately . [He]_157-george took no more interest in [any lady]_{5345-any lady} 's picture than in all the other wearinesses of [this troublesome world]_{5346-this troublesome world} . [He]_157-george fell back , and leaning [his]_157-george forehead against the window - panes , looked out at the night . When [he]_157-george turned round [he]_157-george saw that [Robert]_173-robert had arranged the easel very conveniently , and that [he]_173-robert had seated [himself]_173-robert on a chair before it for the purpose of contemplating the painting at [his]_173-robert leisure . [He]_157-george rose as [George]_157-george turned round . "_[157-george] Now , then , for [your]_157-george turn , [Talboys]_157-george , " [he]_157-george said . "_[157-george] It 's an extraordinary picture . " [He]_157-george took [George]_157-george 's place at the window , and [George]_157-george seated [himself]_157-george in the chair before the easel . Yes , [the painter]_{5347-the painter} must have been [a pre - Raphaelite]_{5348-a pre - raphaelite} . [No one but a pre - Raphaelite]_{5349-no one but a pre - raphaelite} would have painted , hair by hair , those feathery masses of ringlets , with every glimmer of gold , and every shadow of pale brown . [No one but a pre - Raphaelite]_{5349-no one but a pre - raphaelite} would have so exaggerated every attribute of that delicate face as to give a lurid brightness to the blonde complexion , and a strange , sinister light to the deep blue eyes . [No one but a pre - Raphaelite]_{5349-no one but a pre - raphaelite} could have given to that pretty pouting mouth the hard and almost wicked look [it]_5352-it had in the portrait . It was so like , and yet so unlike . It was as if [you]_5353-you had burned strange - colored fires before [[my]_157-george lady]_{468-my lady} 's face , and by [their]_5355-their influence brought out new lines and new expressions never seen in it before . The perfection of feature , the brilliancy of coloring , were there ; but [I]_157-george suppose [the painter]_{5347-the painter} had copied quaint mediaeval monstrosities until [his]_{5347-the painter} brain had grown bewildered , for [[my]_157-george lady]_{468-my lady} , in [his]_{5347-the painter} portrait of [her]_{468-my lady} , had something of the aspect of [a beautiful fiend]_{5358-a beautiful fiend} . [Her]_{468-my lady} crimson dress , exaggerated like all the rest in this strange picture , hung about [her]_{468-my lady} in folds that looked like flames , [her]_{468-my lady} fair head peeping out of the lurid mass of color as if out of a raging furnace . Indeed the crimson dress , the sunshine on the face , the red gold gleaming in the yellow hair , the ripe scarlet of the pouting lips , the glowing colors of each accessory of the minutely painted background , all combined to render the first effect of the painting by no means an agreeable one . But strange as the picture was , it could not have made any great impression on [George Talboys]_157-george , for [he]_157-george sat before [it]_5359-it for about a quarter of an hour without uttering a word — only staring blankly at the painted canvas , with the candlestick grasped in [his]_157-george strong right hand , and [his]_157-george left arm hanging loosely by [his]_157-george side . [He]_157-george sat so long in this attitude , that [Robert]_173-robert turned round at last . "_[157-george] Why , [George]_157-george , [I]_0-i thought [you]_157-george had gone to sleep ! " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i had almost . " "_[0-i] [You]_157-george 've caught a cold from standing in [that damp tapestried room]_{1142-that damp tapestried room} . Mark [my]_0-i words , [George Talboys]_157-george , [you]_157-george 've caught a cold ; [you]_157-george 're as hoarse as a raven . But come along . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert took the candle from [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} 's hand , and crept back through [the secret passage]_{1133-the secret passage} , followed by [George]_157-george — very quiet , but scarcely more quiet than usual . [They]_1143-we found [Alicia]_149-alicia in [the nursery]_{441-the nursery} waiting for [them]_1143-we . "_[157-george] Well ? " [she]_149-alicia said , interrogatively . "_[1143-we] [We]_1143-we managed it capitally . But [I]_0-i do n't like the portrait ; there 's something odd about it . " "_[0-i] There is , " said [Alicia]_149-alicia ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've a strange fancy on that point . [I]_0-i think that sometimes [a painter]_{1144-a painter} is in a manner inspired , and is able to see , through the normal expression of the face , another expression that is equally a part of it , though not to be perceived by common eyes . [We]_1143-we have never seen [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} look as [she]_{468-my lady} does in that picture ; but [I]_0-i think that [she]_{468-my lady} could look so . " "_[149-alicia] [Alicia]_149-alicia , " said [Robert Audley]_173-robert , imploringly , "_[149-alicia] do n't be [German]_195-german ! " "_[173-robert] But , [Robert]_173-robert — " "_[173-robert] Do n't be [German]_195-german , [Alicia]_149-alicia , if [you]_149-alicia love [me]_0-i . The picture is — the picture : and [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} is — [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . That 's [my]_0-i way of taking things , and [I]_0-i 'm not metaphysical ; do n't unsettle [me]_0-i . " [He]_0-i repeated this several times with an air of terror that was perfectly sincere ; and then , having borrowed an umbrella in case of being overtaken by the coming storm , left [the Court]_{373-the court} , leading [passive George Talboys]_157-george away with [him]_0-i . The one hand of the stupid clock had skipped to nine by the time [they]_5364-they reached the archway ; but before [they]_5364-they could pass under its shadow [they]_5364-they had to step aside to allow [a carriage]_{5365-a carriage} to dash past [them]_5364-they . It was a fly from [the village]_{5107-the village} , but [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's fair face peeped out at the window . Dark as it was , [she]_{150-lady audley} could see the two figures of [the young men]_{4930-the young men} black against the dusk . "_{[1148-the gardener]} Who is that ? " [she]_{150-lady audley} asked , putting out [her]_{150-lady audley} head . "_{[1148-the gardener]} Is it [the gardener]_{1148-the gardener} ? " "_{[1148-the gardener]} No , [[my]_0-i dear aunt]_{1149-my dear aunt} , " said [Robert]_173-robert , laughing ; "_{[1148-the gardener]} it is [[your]_{1149-my dear aunt} most dutiful nephew]_{1150-your most dutiful nephew} . " [He]_173-robert and [George]_157-george stopped by the archway while the fly drew up at the door , and [the surprised servants]_{5368-the surprised servants} came out to welcome [[their]_{5368-the surprised servants} master]_{5369-their master} and [mistress]_{5228-mistress} . "_{[1150-your most dutiful nephew]} [I]_0-i think the storm will hold off to - night , " said [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} looking up at the sky ; "_[0-i] but [we]_1151-we shall certainly have it tomorrow . " [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} was mistaken in [his]_{146-sir michael} prophecy upon the weather . The storm did not hold off until next day , but burst with terrible fury over [the village of Audley]_{5372-the village of audley} about half an hour before midnight . [Robert Audley]_173-robert took the thunder and lightning with the same composure with which [he]_173-robert accepted all the other ills of life . [He]_157-george lay on a sofa in [the sitting - room]_{5373-the sitting - room} , ostensibly reading the five - days - old Chelmsford paper , and regaling [himself]_157-george occasionally with a few sips from a large tumbler of cold punch . But the storm had quite a different effect upon [George Talboys]_157-george . [[His]_157-george friend]_{4909-his friend} was startled when [he]_{4909-his friend} looked at [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's white face as [he]_157-george sat opposite the open window listening to the thunder , and staring at the black sky , rent every now and then by forked streaks of steel - blue lightning . "_[157-george] [George]_157-george , " said [Robert]_173-robert , after watching [him]_157-george for some time , "_[157-george] are [you]_157-george frightened of the lightning ? " "_[157-george] No , " [he]_157-george answered , curtly . "_[157-george] But , [dear boy]_{861-dear boy} , [some of [the most courageous men]_{1154-the most courageous men}]_{1153-some of the most courageous men} have been frightened of it . It is scarcely to be called a fear : it is constitutional . [I]_0-i am sure [you]_157-george are frightened of it . " "_[157-george] No , [I]_0-i am not . " "_[157-george] But , [George]_157-george , if [you]_157-george could see [yourself]_157-george , white and haggard , with [your]_157-george great hollow eyes staring out at the sky as if they were fixed upon a ghost . [I]_0-i tell [you]_157-george [I]_0-i know that [you]_157-george are frightened . " "_[0-i] And [I]_0-i tell [you]_157-george that [I]_0-i am not . " "_[0-i] [George Talboys]_157-george , [you]_157-george are not only afraid of the lightning , but [you]_157-george are savage with [yourself]_157-george for being afraid , and with [me]_0-i for telling [you]_157-george of [your]_157-george fear . " "_[157-george] [Robert Audley]_173-robert , if [you]_157-george say another word to [me]_0-i , [I]_0-i shall knock [you]_157-george down , " cried [George]_157-george , furiously ; having said which , [Mr. Talboys]_157-george strode out of [the room]_{595-the room} , banging the door after [him]_157-george with a violence that shook [the house]_{388-the house} . Those inky clouds , which had shut in the sultry earth as if with a roof of hot iron , poured out their blackness in a sudden deluge as [George]_157-george left [the room]_{595-the room} ; but if [the young man]_{667-the young man} was afraid of the lightning , [he]_{667-the young man} certainly was not afraid of the rain ; for [he]_{667-the young man} walked straight down - stairs to [the inn]_{5152-the inn} door , and went out into [the wet high road]_{5381-the wet high road} . [He]_{667-the young man} walked up and down , up and down , in the soaking shower for about twenty minutes , and then , re - entering [the inn]_{5152-the inn} , strode up to [[his]_{667-the young man} bedroom]_{5383-his bedroom} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert met [him]_157-george on [the landing]_{5384-the landing} , with [his]_{667-the young man} hair beaten about [his]_{667-the young man} white face , and [his]_{667-the young man} garments dripping wet . "_[0-i] Are [you]_1155-you going to bed , [George]_157-george ? " "_[1155-you] Yes . " "_[1155-you] But [you]_1155-you have no candle . " "_[1155-you] [I]_0-i do n't want one . " "_[0-i] But look at [your]_1155-you clothes , [man]_990-man ! Do [you]_1155-you see the wet streaming down [your]_1155-you coat - sleeves ? What on earth made [you]_1155-you go out upon such a night ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i am tired , and want to go to bed — don't bother [me]_0-i . " "_[1155-you] [You]_1155-you 'll take some hot brandy - and - water , [George]_157-george ? " [Robert Audley]_173-robert stood in [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} 's way as [he]_173-robert spoke , anxious to prevent [his]_173-robert going to bed in [the state [he]_173-robert was in]_{5386-the state he was in} ; but [George]_157-george pushed [him]_173-robert fiercely aside , and , striding past [him]_173-robert , said , in the same hoarse voice [Robert]_173-robert had noticed at [the Court]_{373-the court} : "_[157-george] Let [me]_0-i alone , [Robert Audley]_173-robert , and keep clear of [me]_0-i if [you]_157-george can . " [Robert]_173-robert followed [George]_157-george to [[his]_157-george bedroom]_{5383-his bedroom} , but [the young man]_{667-the young man} banged the door in [his]_{667-the young man} face , so there was nothing for it but to leave [Mr. Talboys]_157-george to [himself]_{667-the young man} , to recover [his]_{667-the young man} temper as best [he]_{667-the young man} might . "_[157-george] [He]_157-george was irritated at [my]_0-i noticing [his]_157-george terror of the lightning , " thought [Robert]_173-robert , as [he]_173-robert calmly retired to rest , serenely indifferent to the thunder , which seemed to shake [him]_173-robert in [his]_173-robert bed , and the lightning playing fitfully round the razors in [his]_173-robert open dressing - case . The storm rolled away from [the quiet village of [Audley]_{150-lady audley}]_{5390-the quiet village of audley} , and when [Robert]_173-robert awoke the next morning it was to see bright sunshine , and a peep of cloudless sky between the white curtains of [his]_173-robert bedroom window . It was one of those serene and lovely mornings that sometimes succeed a storm . The birds sung loud and cheerily , the yellow corn uplifted itself in [the broad fields]_{5391-the broad fields} , and waved proudly after its sharp tussle with the tempest , which had done its best to beat down the heavy ears with cruel wind and driving rain half the night through . The vine - leaves clustering round [Robert]_173-robert 's window fluttered with a joyous rustling , shaking the rain - drops in diamond showers from every spray and tendril . [Robert Audley]_173-robert found [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} waiting for [him]_173-robert at the breakfast - table . [George]_157-george was very pale , but perfectly tranquil — if anything , indeed , more cheerful than usual . [He]_157-george shook [Robert]_173-robert by the hand with something of that hearty manner for which [he]_157-george had been distinguished before the one affliction of [his]_157-george life overtook and shipwrecked [him]_157-george . "_[157-george] Forgive [me]_0-i , [Bob]_174-bob , " [he]_0-i said , frankly , "_[174-bob] for [my]_0-i surly temper of last night . [You]_174-bob were quite correct in [your]_174-bob assertion ; the thunderstorm did upset [me]_0-i . It always had the same effect upon [me]_0-i in [my]_0-i youth . " "_{[1157-poor old boy]} [Poor old boy]_{1157-poor old boy} ! Shall [we]_1158-we go up by the express , or shall [we]_1158-we stop here and dine with [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} to - night ? " asked [Robert]_173-robert . "_{[991-my uncle]} To tell the truth , [Bob]_174-bob , [I]_0-i would rather do neither . It 's a glorious morning . Suppose [we]_1158-we stroll about all day , take another turn with the rod and line , and go up to [town]_864-town by [the train that leaves]_{1161-the train that leaves} [here]_4776-here at 6.15 in the evening ? " [Robert Audley]_173-robert would have assented to a far more disagreeable proposition than this , rather than have taken the trouble to oppose [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} , so the matter was immediately agreed upon ; and after [they]_1158-we had finished [their]_1158-we breakfast , and ordered a four o'clock dinner , [George Talboys]_157-george took the fishing - rod across [his]_157-george broad shoulders , and strode out of [the house]_{388-the house} with [[his]_157-george friend]_{4909-his friend} and [companion]_{5396-companion} . But if the equable temperament of [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert had been undisturbed by the crackling peals of thunder that shook the very foundations of [the Sun Inn]_{5106-the sun inn} , it had not been so with the more delicate sensibilties of [[his]_173-robert uncle 's young wife]_{5398-his uncle 's young wife} . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} confessed [herself]_{150-lady audley} terribly frightened of the lightning . [She]_{150-lady audley} had [her]_{150-lady audley} bedstead wheeled into a corner of [the room]_{595-the room} , and with the heavy curtains drawn tightly round [her]_{150-lady audley} , [she]_{150-lady audley} lay with [her]_{150-lady audley} face buried in the pillow , shuddering convulsively at every sound of the tempest without . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , whose stout heart had never known a fear , almost trembled for [this fragile creature , whom it]_{5400-this fragile creature , whom it} was [his]_{146-sir michael} happy privilege to protect and defend . [[My]_{852-my pretty one} lady]_{468-my lady} would not consent to undress till nearly three o'clock in the morning , when the last lingering peal of thunder had died away among [the distant hills]_{5402-the distant hills} . Until that hour [she]_{150-lady audley} lay in the handsome silk dress in which [she]_{150-lady audley} had traveled , huddled together among the bedclothes , only looking up now and then with a scared face to ask if the storm was over . Toward four o'clock [[her]_{150-lady audley} husband , who spent the night in watching by [her]_{150-lady audley} bedside]_{5403-her husband , who spent the night in watching by her bedside} , saw [her]_{150-lady audley} drop off into a deep sleep , from which [she]_{150-lady audley} did not awake for nearly five hours . But [she]_{150-lady audley} came into [the breakfast - room]_{5404-the breakfast - room} , at half - past nine o'clock , singing a little Scotch melody , [her]_{150-lady audley} cheeks tinged with as delicate a pink as the pale hue of [her]_{150-lady audley} muslin morning dress . Like the birds and the flowers , [she]_{150-lady audley} seemed to recover [her]_{150-lady audley} beauty and joyousness in the morning sunshine . [She]_{150-lady audley} tripped lightly out onto [the lawn]_{5405-the lawn} , gathering a last lingering rosebud here and there , and a sprig or two of geranium , and returning through the dewy grass , warbling long cadences for very happiness of heart , and looking as fresh and radiant as the flowers in [her]_{150-lady audley} hands . [The baronet]_{465-the baronet} caught [her]_{852-my pretty one} in [his]_{465-the baronet} strong arms as [she]_{852-my pretty one} came in through the open window . "_{[852-my pretty one]} [[My]_0-i pretty one]_{852-my pretty one} , " [he]_{465-the baronet} said , "_{[852-my pretty one]} [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} , what happiness to see [you]_{852-my pretty one} [your]_{852-my pretty one} own merry self again ! Do [you]_{852-my pretty one} know , [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} , that once last night , when [you]_{852-my pretty one} looked out through the dark - green bed - curtains , with [your]_{852-my pretty one} poor , white face , and the purple rims round [your]_{852-my pretty one} hollow eyes , [I]_0-i had almost a difficulty to recognize [[my]_0-i little wife]_{697-my little wife} in that terrified , agonized - looking creature , crying out about the storm . Thank [God]_164-god for the morning sun , which has brought back the rosy cheeks and bright smile ! [I]_0-i hope to Heaven , [Lucy]_{152-miss graham} , [I]_0-i shall never again see [you]_{852-my pretty one} look as [you]_{852-my pretty one} did last night . " [She]_{152-miss graham} stood on tiptoe to kiss [him]_{1168-noble , handsome husband} , and then was only tall enough to reach [his]_{1168-noble , handsome husband} white beard . [She]_{152-miss graham} told [him]_{1168-noble , handsome husband} , laughing , that [she]_{152-miss graham} had always been [a silly , frightened creature]_{5407-a silly , frightened creature} — frightened of dogs , frightened of cattle , frightened of a thunderstorm , frightened of [a rough sea]_{5408-a rough sea} . "_{[852-my pretty one]} Frightened of everything and [everybody]_{632-everybody} but [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} , [noble , handsome husband]_{1168-noble , handsome husband} , " [she]_{152-miss graham} said . [She]_{152-miss graham} had found the carpet in [[her]_{152-miss graham} dressing - room]_{5211-her dressing - room} disarranged , and had inquired into the mystery of [the secret passage]_{1133-the secret passage} . [She]_{152-miss graham} chid [Miss Alicia]_149-alicia in a playful , laughing way , for [her]_{152-miss graham} boldness in introducing [two great men]_{5411-two great men} into [[[my]_{1168-noble , handsome husband} lady]_{468-my lady} 's rooms]_{4811-my lady 's rooms} . "_{[1168-noble , handsome husband]} And [they]_1169-they had the audacity to look at [my]_0-i picture , [Alicia]_149-alicia , " [she]_1171-she said , with mock indignation . "_[149-alicia] [I]_0-i found the baize thrown on the ground , and [a great man]_{1170-a great man} 's glove on the carpet . Look ! " "_[1171-she] [She]_1171-she held up a thick driving glove as [she]_1171-she spoke . It was [George]_157-george 's , which [he]_157-george had dropped looking at the picture . " [I]_{146-sir michael} shall go up to [the Sun]_{5414-the sun} , and ask [those boys]_{5415-those boys} to dinner , "_{[146-sir michael]} [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} said , as [he]_{146-sir michael} left [the Court]_{373-the court} upon [his]_{146-sir michael} morning walk around [[his]_{146-sir michael} farm]_{1173-his farm} . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} flitted from [room]_1174-room to [room]_1174-room in the bright September sunshine — now sitting down to the piano to trill out a ballad , or the first page of an Italian bravura , or running with rapid fingers through a brilliant waltz — now hovering about a stand of hot - house flowers , doing amateur gardening with a pair of fairy - like , silver - mounted embroidery scissors — now strolling into [[her]_{150-lady audley} dressing - room]_{5211-her dressing - room} to talk to [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , and have [her]_{150-lady audley} curls rearranged for the third or fourth time ; for the ringlets were always getting into disorder , and gave no little trouble to [[Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's maid]_{1177-lady audley 's maid} . [[My]_0-i dear lady]_{1178-my dear lady} seemed , on this particular September day , restless from very joyousness of spirit , and unable to stay long in one place , or occupy [herself]_{1178-my dear lady} with one thing . While [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} amused [herself]_{150-lady audley} in [her]_{150-lady audley} own frivolous fashion , [the two young men]_{4962-the two young men} strolled slowly along the margin of [the stream]_{1180-the stream} until [they]_{4962-the two young men} reached a shady corner where the water was deep and still , and the long branches of the willows trailed into [the brook]_{1181-the brook} . [George Talboys]_157-george took the fishing - rod , while [Robert]_173-robert stretched [himself]_173-robert at full length on a railway rug , and balancing [his]_173-robert hat upon [his]_173-robert nose as a screen from the sunshine , fell fast asleep . Those were happy fish in the stream on [the banks of which [Mr. Talboys]_157-george was seated]_{1182-the banks of which mr. talboys was seated} . [They]_{4962-the two young men} might have amused [themselves]_{4962-the two young men} to [their]_{4962-the two young men} hearts ' content with timid nibbles at [this gentleman]_{1183-this gentleman} 's bait without in any manner endangering [their]_{4962-the two young men} safety ; for [George]_157-george only stared vacantly in [the water]_{403-the water} , holding [his]_157-george rod in a loose , listless hand , and with a strange , far - away look in [his]_157-george eyes . As the church clock struck two [he]_157-george threw down [his]_157-george rod , and , striding away along [the bank]_{1185-the bank} , left [Robert Audley]_173-robert to enjoy a nap which , according to [that gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} 's habits , was by no means unlikely to last for two or three hours . About a quarter of a mile further on [George]_157-george crossed [a rustic bridge]_{1187-a rustic bridge} , and struck into [the meadows]_{776-the meadows} which led to [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} . The birds had sung so much all the morning , that [they]_1189-they had , perhaps , by this time grown tired ; the lazy cattle were asleep in [the meadows]_{776-the meadows} ; [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} was still away on [his]_{146-sir michael} morning 's ramble ; [Miss Alicia]_149-alicia had scampered off an hour before on [her]_149-alicia chestnut mare ; [the servants]_{545-the servants} were all at dinner in [the back part of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{1192-the back part of the house} ; and [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} had strolled , book in hand , into [the shadowy lime - walk]_{1195-the shadowy lime - walk} ; so [the gray old building]_{1196-the gray old building} had never worn a more peaceful aspect than on that bright afternoon when [George Talboys]_157-george walked across [the lawn]_{5405-the lawn} to ring a sonorous peal at the sturdy , iron - bound oak door . [The servant who answered [his]_157-george summons]_{1198-the servant who answered his summons} told [him]_157-george that [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} was out , and [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} walking in [the lime - tree avenue]_{1200-the lime - tree avenue} . [He]_157-george looked a little disappointed at this intelligence , and muttering something about wishing to see [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , or going to look for [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ( [the servant]_{1203-the servant} did not clearly distinguish [his]_157-george words ) , strode away from the door without leaving either card or message for [the family]_{559-the family} . It was full an hour and a half after this when [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} returned to [the house]_{388-the house} , not coming from [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} , but from exactly the opposite direction , carrying [her]_{150-lady audley} open book in [her]_{150-lady audley} hand , and singing as [she]_{150-lady audley} came . [Alicia]_149-alicia had just dismounted from [her]_149-alicia mare , and stood in the low - arched doorway , with [her]_149-alicia great Newfoundland dog by [her]_149-alicia side . The dog , which had never liked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , showed [his]_157-george teeth with a suppressed growl . " Send that horrid animal away , [Alicia]_149-alicia , "_[157-george] [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} said , impatiently . " [The brute]_{5416-the brute} knows that [I]_{150-lady audley} am frightened of [him]_{5416-the brute} , and takes advantage of [my]_{150-lady audley} terror . And yet [they]_{5416-the brute} call [the creatures generous and noble - hearted]_{5417-the creatures generous and noble - hearted} ! Bah , [Caesar]_196-caesar ! [I]_{150-lady audley} hate [you]_196-caesar , and [you]_196-caesar hate [me]_{150-lady audley} ; and if [you]_196-caesar met [me]_{150-lady audley} in the dark in [some narrow passage]_{5418-some narrow passage} [you]_196-caesar would fly at [my]_{150-lady audley} throat and strangle [me]_{150-lady audley} , would n't [you]_196-caesar ? "_{[150-lady audley]} [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , safely sheltered behind [[her]_{468-my lady} step - daughter]_{5225-her step - daughter} , shook [her]_{468-my lady} yellow curls at the angry animal , and defied [him]_1210-him maliciously . " Do [you]_196-caesar know , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , that [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , [the young widower]_{5419-the young widower} , has been here asking for [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} and [you]_196-caesar ? "_{[468-my lady]} [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy lifted [her]_197-lucy penciled eyebrows . " [I]_197-lucy thought [they]_5420-they were coming to dinner , "_[197-lucy] [she]_197-lucy said . " Surely [we]_5421-we shall have enough of [them]_5420-they then . "_[197-lucy] [She]_197-lucy had a heap of wild autumn flowers in the skirt of [her]_197-lucy muslin dress . [She]_197-lucy had come through the fields at [the back of [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{1211-the back of the court} , gathering the hedge - row blossoms in [her]_197-lucy way . [She]_197-lucy ran lightly up the broad staircase to [[her]_197-lucy own rooms]_{1213-her own rooms} . [George]_157-george 's glove lay on [her]_197-lucy boudoir table . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} rung the bell violently , and it was answered by [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe . " Take that litter away , "_[197-lucy] [she]_197-lucy said , sharply . [The girl]_{753-the girl} collected the glove and a few withered flowers and torn papers lying on the table into [her]_{753-the girl} apron . " What have [you]_{753-the girl} been doing all this morning ? "_{[468-my lady]} asked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . " Not wasting [your]_{753-the girl} time , [I]_{468-my lady} hope ? "_{[468-my lady]} " No , [[my]_{753-the girl} lady]_{468-my lady} , [I]_{753-the girl} have been altering the blue dress . It is rather dark on this side of [the house]_{388-the house} , so [I]_{753-the girl} took it up to [[my]_{753-the girl} own room]_{5424-my own room} , and worked at the window . "_{[753-the girl]} [The girl]_{753-the girl} was leaving [the room]_{595-the room} as [she]_{753-the girl} spoke , but [she]_{753-the girl} turned around and looked at [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} as if waiting for further orders . [Lucy]_197-lucy looked up at the same moment , and the eyes of [the two women]_{1218-the two women} met . " [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , "_{[468-my lady]} said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , throwing [herself]_{468-my lady} into an easy - chair , and trifling with the wild flowers in [her]_{468-my lady} lap , " [you]_166-phoebe are [a good , industrious girl]_{5425-a good , industrious girl} , and while [I]_{468-my lady} live and am prosperous , [you]_166-phoebe shall never want [a firm friend]_{5426-a firm friend} or a twenty - pound note . "_{[468-my lady]} When [Robert Audley]_173-robert awoke [he]_173-robert was surprised to see the fishing - rod lying on [the bank]_{1185-the bank} , the line trailing idly in [the water]_{403-the water} , and the float bobbing harmlessly up and down in the afternoon sunshine . [The young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} was a long time stretching [his]_{5094-the young barrister} arms and legs in various directions to convince [himself]_{5094-the young barrister} , by means of such exercise , that [he]_{5094-the young barrister} still retained the proper use of [those members]_{1223-those members} ; then , with a mighty effort , [he]_{5094-the young barrister} contrived to rise from the grass , and having deliberately folded [his]_{5094-the young barrister} railway rug into a convenient shape for carrying over [his]_{5094-the young barrister} shoulder , [he]_{5094-the young barrister} strolled away to look for [George Talboys]_157-george . Once or twice [he]_{5094-the young barrister} gave a sleepy shout , scarcely loud enough to scare the birds in the branches above [his]_{5094-the young barrister} head , or the trout in the stream at [his]_{5094-the young barrister} feet : but receiving no answer , grew tired of the exertion , and dawdled on , yawning as [he]_{5094-the young barrister} went , and still looking for [George Talboys]_157-george . By - and - by [he]_{5094-the young barrister} took out [his]_{5094-the young barrister} watch , and was surprised to find that it was a quarter past four . " Why , [the selfish beggar]_{5427-the selfish beggar} must have gone [home]_479-home to [his]_{5427-the selfish beggar} dinner ! "_{[5094-the young barrister]} [he]_{5094-the young barrister} muttered , reflectively ; " and yet that is n't much like [him]_{5427-the selfish beggar} , for [he]_{5427-the selfish beggar} seldom remembers even [his]_{5427-the selfish beggar} meals unless [I]_{5094-the young barrister} jog [his]_{5427-the selfish beggar} memory . "_{[5094-the young barrister]} Even a good appetite , and the knowledge that [his]_{5094-the young barrister} dinner would very likely suffer by this delay , could not quicken [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert 's constitutional dawdle , and by the time [he]_{5094-the young barrister} strolled in at the front door of the Sun , the clocks were striking five . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} so fully expected to find [George Talboys]_157-george waiting for [him]_{5094-the young barrister} in [the little sitting - room]_{1224-the little sitting - room} , that the absence of [that gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} seemed to give [the apartment]_{5327-the apartment} a dreary look , and [Robert]_173-robert groaned aloud . " This is lively ! "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said . " A cold dinner , and [nobody]_566-nobody to eat it with ! "_[173-robert] [The landlord of the Sun]_{1227-the landlord of the sun} came [himself]_{1227-the landlord of the sun} to apologize for [his]_{1227-the landlord of the sun} ruined dishes . " As fine a pair of ducks , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , as ever [you]_173-robert clapped eyes on , but burnt up to a cinder , along of being kep ' hot . "_{[1227-the landlord of the sun]} " Never mind the ducks , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert said impatiently ; " where 's [Mr. Talboys]_157-george ? "_[173-robert] " [He]_157-george ai n't been in , [sir]_900-sir , since [you]_173-robert went out together this morning . "_{[1227-the landlord of the sun]} " What ! "_[173-robert] cried [Robert]_173-robert . " Why , in heaven 's name , what has [the man]_{634-the man} done with [himself]_{634-the man} ? "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert walked to the window and looked out upon [the broad , white high road]_{1228-the broad , white high road} . There was [a wagon laden with trusses of hay crawling slowly past]_{1229-a wagon laden with trusses of hay crawling slowly past} , the lazy horses and the lazy wagoner drooping [their]_1230-their heads with a weary stoop under the afternoon 's sunshine . There was a flock of sheep straggling about [the road]_{1231-the road} , with a dog running [himself]_{1227-the landlord of the sun} into a fever in the endeavor to keep [them]_1232-them decently together . There were [some bricklayers just released from work]_{1233-some bricklayers just released from work} — [a tinker mending some kettles]_{1234-a tinker mending some kettles} by the roadside ; there was [a dog - cart]_{1235-a dog - cart} dashing down [the road]_{1231-the road} , carrying [the master of the Audley hounds]_{1237-the master of the audley hounds} to [his]_{1237-the master of the audley hounds} seven o'clock dinner ; there were a dozen common village sights and sounds that mixed themselves up into a cheerful bustle and confusion ; but there was no [George Talboys]_157-george . " Of all the extraordinary things that ever happened to [me]_173-robert in the whole course of [my]_173-robert life , "_[173-robert] said [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , " this is the most miraculous ! "_{[1238-the landlord still in attendance]} [The landlord still in attendance]_{1238-the landlord still in attendance} , opened [his]_{1238-the landlord still in attendance} eyes as [Robert]_173-robert made this remark . What could there be extraordinary in the simple fact of [a gentleman]_{4644-a gentleman} being late for [his]_{4644-a gentleman} dinner ? " [I]_173-robert shall go and look for [him]_{4644-a gentleman} , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , snatching up [his]_173-robert hat and walking straight out of [the house]_{388-the house} . But the question was where to look for [him]_{4644-a gentleman} . [He]_{4644-a gentleman} certainly was not by [the trout stream]_{1241-the trout stream} , so it was no good going back there in search of [him]_{4644-a gentleman} . [Robert]_173-robert was standing before [the inn]_{5152-the inn} , deliberating on what was best to be done , when [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} came out after [him]_173-robert . " [I]_{5144-the landlord} forgot to tell [you]_173-robert , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , as how [[your]_173-robert uncle]_{1016-your uncle} called here five minutes after [you]_173-robert was gone , and left a message , asking of [you]_173-robert and [the other gentleman]_{5433-the other gentleman} to go down to dinner at [the Court]_{373-the court} . "_{[5144-the landlord]} " Then [I]_173-robert should n't wonder , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , " if [George Talboys]_157-george has gone down to [the Court]_{373-the court} to call upon [[my]_173-robert uncle]_{991-my uncle} . It is n't like [him]_157-george , but it 's just possible that [he]_157-george has done it . "_[173-robert] It was six o'clock when [Robert]_173-robert knocked at the door of [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's house]_{1245-his uncle 's house} . [He]_173-robert did not ask to see [any of [the family]_{559-the family}]_{1246-any of the family} , but inquired at once for [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} . Yes , [the servant]_{1203-the servant} told [him]_173-robert ; [Mr. Talboys]_157-george had been [there]_374-there at two o'clock or a little after . " And not since ? "_[157-george] " No , not since . "_{[634-the man]} Was [the man]_{634-the man} sure that it was at two [Mr. Talboys]_157-george called ? [Robert]_173-robert asked . Yes , perfectly sure . [He]_173-robert remembered the hour because it was [the servants]_{545-the servants} ' dinner hour , and [he]_173-robert had left the table to open the door to [Mr. Talboys]_157-george . " Why , what can have become of [the man]_{634-the man} ? "_[173-robert] thought [Robert]_173-robert , as [he]_173-robert turned [his]_173-robert back upon [the Court]_{373-the court} . " From two till six — four good hours — and no signs of [him]_{634-the man} ! "_[173-robert] If [any one]_{5101-any one} had ventured to tell [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert that [he]_173-robert could possibly feel a strong attachment to any creature breathing , [that cynical gentleman]_{1255-that cynical gentleman} would have elevated [his]_173-robert eyebrows in supreme contempt at the preposterous notion . Yet here [he]_173-robert was , flurried and anxious , bewildering [his]_173-robert brain by all manner of conjectures about [[his]_173-robert missing friend]_{1256-his missing friend} ; and false to every attribute of [his]_173-robert nature , walking fast . " [I]_173-robert have n't walked fast since [I]_173-robert was at [Eton]_21-eton , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert murmured , as [he]_173-robert hurried across one of [[Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's meadows]_{1257-sir michael 's meadows} in [the direction of [the village]_{5107-the village}]_{1258-the direction of the village} ; " and the worst of it is , that [I]_173-robert have n't the most remote idea where [I]_173-robert am going . "_[173-robert] Here [he]_173-robert crossed [another meadow]_{1260-another meadow} , and then seating [himself]_173-robert upon a stile , rested [his]_173-robert elbows upon [his]_173-robert knees , buried [his]_173-robert face in [his]_173-robert hands , and set [himself]_173-robert seriously to think the matter out . " [I]_173-robert have it , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , after a few minutes ' thought ; " [the railway station]_{541-the railway station} ! "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert sprang over the stile , and started off in the direction of [the little red brick building]_{1261-the little red brick building} . There was [no train]_{1262-no train} expected for another half hour , and [the clerk]_{1263-the clerk} was taking [his]_{1263-the clerk} tea in [an apartment on one side of [the office]_{1265-the office}]_{1264-an apartment on one side of the office} , on the door of which was inscribed in large , white letters , " Private . "_{[1263-the clerk]} But [Mr. Audley]_173-robert was too much occupied with the one idea of looking for [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} to pay any attention to this warning . [He]_173-robert strode at once to the door , and rattling [his]_173-robert cane against it , brought [the clerk]_{1263-the clerk} out of [[his]_{1263-the clerk} sanctum]_{1268-his sanctum} in a perspiration from hot tea , and with [his]_{1263-the clerk} mouth full of bread and butter . " Do [you]_173-robert remember [the gentleman that came down to [Audley]_173-robert]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} with [me]_173-robert , [Smithers]_198-smithers ? "_[173-robert] asked [Robert]_173-robert . " Well , to tell [you]_173-robert the real truth , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , [I]_173-robert ca n't say that [I]_173-robert do . [You]_173-robert came by the four o'clock , if [you]_173-robert remember , and there 's always [a good many passengers]_{5440-a good many passengers} by [that train]_{5441-that train} . "_[173-robert] " [You]_173-robert do n't remember [him]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} , then ? "_{[1263-the clerk]} " Not to [my]_{1263-the clerk} knowledge , [sir]_900-sir . "_{[1263-the clerk]} " That 's provoking ! [I]_{1263-the clerk} want to know , [Smithers]_198-smithers , whether [he]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} has taken a ticket for [London]_3-london since two o'clock to - day . [He]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} 's [a tall , broad - chested young fellow , with a big brown beard]_{5443-a tall , broad - chested young fellow , with a big brown beard} . [You]_173-robert could n't well mistake [him]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} . "_{[1263-the clerk]} " There was [four or five gentlemen]_{5444-four or five gentlemen} as took tickets for the 3.30 up , "_{[1263-the clerk]} said [the clerk]_{1263-the clerk} rather vaguely , casting an anxious glance over [his]_{1263-the clerk} shoulder at [[his]_{1263-the clerk} wife]_{554-his wife} , who looked by no means pleased at this interruption to the harmony of the tea - table . " [Four or five gentlemen]_{5444-four or five gentlemen} ! But did either of [them]_{5444-four or five gentlemen} answer to the description of [[my]_{554-his wife} friend]_{836-my friend} ? "_{[554-his wife]} " Well , [I]_{1263-the clerk} think one of [them]_{5444-four or five gentlemen} had a beard , [sir]_900-sir . "_{[1263-the clerk]} " A dark - brown beard ? "_{[1263-the clerk]} " Well , [I]_{554-his wife} do n't know , but it was brownish - like . "_{[554-his wife]} " Was [he]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} dressed in gray ? "_{[1263-the clerk]} " [I]_{1263-the clerk} believe it was gray ; [a great many gents]_{5448-a great many gents} wear gray . [He]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} asked for the ticket sharp and short - like , and when [he]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} 'd got it walked straight out onto the platform whistling . "_{[1263-the clerk]} " That 's [George]_157-george , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert . " Thank [you]_900-sir , [Smithers]_198-smithers ; [I]_173-robert need n't trouble [you]_900-sir any more . It 's as clear as daylight , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert muttered , as [he]_173-robert left [the station]_{1271-the station} ; " [he]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} 's got one of [his]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} gloomy fits on [him]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} , and [he]_{5439-the gentleman that came down to audley} 's gone back to [London]_3-london without saying a word about it . [I]_173-robert 'll leave [Audley]_173-robert [myself]_173-robert to - morrow morning ; and for to - night — why , [I]_173-robert may as well go down to [the Court]_{373-the court} and make the acquaintance of [[my]_173-robert uncle 's young wife]_{5450-my uncle 's young wife} . [They]_5451-they do n't dine till seven ; if [I]_173-robert get back across [the fields]_{4773-the fields} [I]_173-robert shall be in time . [Bob]_174-bob — otherwise [Robert Audley]_173-robert — this sort of thing will never do ; [you]_174-bob are falling over head and ears in love with [[your]_174-bob aunt]_{1087-your aunt} . "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert found [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} and [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} in [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} was sitting on a music - stool before the grand piano , turning over the leaves of some new music . [She]_{468-my lady} twirled upon the revolving seat , making a rustling with [her]_{468-my lady} silk flounces , as [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert 's name was announced ; then , leaving the piano , [she]_{468-my lady} made [[her]_{468-my lady} nephew]_{5188-her nephew} a pretty , mock ceremonious courtesy . " Thank [you]_173-robert so much for the sables , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said , holding out [her]_{468-my lady} little fingers , all glittering and twinkling with the diamonds [she]_{468-my lady} wore upon them ; " thank [you]_173-robert for those beautiful sables . How good it was of [you]_173-robert to get them for [me]_{468-my lady} . "_{[468-my lady]} [Robert]_173-robert had almost forgotten the commission [he]_173-robert had executed for [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} during [his]_173-robert Russian expedition . [His]_173-robert mind was so full of [George Talboys]_157-george that [he]_173-robert only acknowledged [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's gratitude by a bow . " Would [you]_{468-my lady} believe it , [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said . " [That foolish chum of mine]_{5454-that foolish chum of mine} has gone back to [London]_3-london leaving [me]_173-robert in the lurch . "_[173-robert] " [Mr. George Talboys]_157-george returned to [town]_864-town ? "_{[468-my lady]} exclaimed [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , lifting [her]_{468-my lady} eyebrows . " What a dreadful catastrophe ! "_[149-alicia] said [Alicia]_149-alicia , maliciously , " since [Pythias]_199-pythias , in the person of [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , can not exist for half an hour without [Damon]_200-damon , commonly known as [George Talboys]_157-george . "_[149-alicia] " [He]_173-robert 's [a very good fellow]_{5456-a very good fellow} , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert said , stoutly ; " and to tell the honest truth , [I]_173-robert 'm rather uneasy about [him]_173-robert . "_[173-robert] " Uneasy about [him]_173-robert ! "_{[468-my lady]} [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} was quite anxious to know why [Robert]_173-robert was uneasy about [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} . " [I]_{5094-the young barrister} 'll tell [you]_{468-my lady} why , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , "_{[5094-the young barrister]} answered [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} . " [George]_157-george had a bitter blow a year ago in the death of [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} . [He]_157-george has never got over that trouble . [He]_157-george takes life pretty quietly — almost as quietly as [I]_{5094-the young barrister} do — but [he]_157-george often talks very strangely , and [I]_{5094-the young barrister} sometimes think that one day this grief will get the better of [him]_157-george , and [he]_157-george will do something rash . "_{[5094-the young barrister]} [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert spoke vaguely , but all three of [[his]_173-robert listeners]_{1280-his listeners} knew that the something rash to which [he]_173-robert alluded was that one deed for which there is no repentance . There was a brief pause , during which [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} arranged [her]_{150-lady audley} yellow ringlets by the aid of the glass over the console table opposite to [her]_{150-lady audley} . " Dear [me]_{150-lady audley} ! "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said , " this is very strange . [I]_{150-lady audley} did not think [men]_4634-men were capable of these deep and lasting affections . [I]_{150-lady audley} thought that one pretty face was as good as another pretty face to [them]_4634-men ; and that when [number one with blue eyes and fair hair]_{5459-number one with blue eyes and fair hair} died , [they]_4634-men had only to look out for [number two]_{5460-number two} , with dark eyes and black hair , by way of variety . "_{[150-lady audley]} " [George Talboys]_157-george is not [one of [those men]_{5462-those men}]_{5461-one of those men} . [I]_{468-my lady} firmly believe that [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} 's death broke [his]_157-george heart . "_{[468-my lady]} " How sad ! "_{[150-lady audley]} murmured [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . " It seems almost cruel of [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} to die , and grieve [[her]_{181-george talboys} poor husband]_{5464-her poor husband} so much . "_{[150-lady audley]} " [Alicia]_149-alicia was right , [she]_149-alicia is childish , "_[173-robert] thought [Robert]_173-robert as [he]_173-robert looked at [[his]_173-robert aunt]_{1281-his aunt} 's pretty face . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} was very charming at the dinner - table ; [she]_{468-my lady} professed the most bewitching incapacity for carving the pheasant set before [her]_{468-my lady} , and called [Robert]_173-robert to [her]_{468-my lady} assistance . " [I]_{468-my lady} could carve a leg of mutton at [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} 's , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said , laughing ; " but a leg of mutton is so easy , and then [I]_{468-my lady} used to stand up . "_{[468-my lady]} [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} watched the impression [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} made upon [[his]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} with a proud delight in [her]_{468-my lady} beauty and fascination . " [I]_{146-sir michael} am so glad to see [[my]_{146-sir michael} poor little woman]_{5465-my poor little woman} in [her]_{468-my lady} usual good spirits once more , "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} said . " [She]_{468-my lady} was very down - hearted yesterday at a disappointment [she]_{468-my lady} met with in [London]_3-london . "_{[146-sir michael]} " A disappointment ! "_{[468-my lady]} " Yes , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , [a very cruel one]_{5466-a very cruel one} , "_{[468-my lady]} answered [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . " [I]_{468-my lady} received the other morning a telegraphic message from [[my]_{468-my lady} dear old friend and school - mistress]_{5467-my dear old friend and school - mistress} , telling [me]_{468-my lady} that [she]_{468-my lady} was dying , and that if [I]_{468-my lady} wanted to see [her]_{468-my lady} again , [I]_{468-my lady} must hasten to [her]_{468-my lady} immediately . The telegraphic dispatch contained no address , and of course , from that very circumstance , [I]_{468-my lady} imagined that [she]_{468-my lady} must be living in [the house in which [I]_{468-my lady} left [her]_{468-my lady} three years ago]_{5468-the house in which i left her three years ago} . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} and [I]_{468-my lady} hurried up to [town]_864-town immediately , and drove straight to [the old address]_{5470-the old address} . [The house]_{388-the house} was occupied by [strange people]_{5472-strange people} , who could give [me]_{468-my lady} no tidings of [[my]_{468-my lady} friend]_{836-my friend} . [It]_{388-the house} is in [a retired place , where there are very few [tradespeople]_{5475-tradespeople} about]_{5474-a retired place , where there are very few tradespeople about} . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} made inquiries at [the few shops there are]_{5476-the few shops there are} , but , after taking an immense deal of trouble , could discover nothing whatever likely to lead to the information [we]_5477-we wanted . [I]_{468-my lady} have [no friends in [London]_3-london]_{5478-no friends in london} , and had therefore [no one]_{507-no one} to assist [me]_{468-my lady} except [my]_{468-my lady} dear , generous husband , who did all in [his]_{146-sir michael} power , but in vain , to find [[[my]_{468-my lady} friend]_{836-my friend} 's new residence]_{5481-my friend 's new residence} . "_{[468-my lady]} " It was very foolish not to send the address in the telegraphic message , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert . " When [people]_572-people are dying it is not so easy to think of all these things , "_{[468-my lady]} murmured [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , looking reproachfully at [Mr. Audley]_173-robert with [her]_{468-my lady} soft blue eyes . In spite of [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's fascination , and in spite of [Robert]_173-robert 's very unqualified admiration of [her]_{150-lady audley} , [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} could not overcome a vague feeling of uneasiness on this quiet September evening . As [he]_173-robert sat in the deep embrasure of a mullioned window , talking to [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , [his]_173-robert mind wandered away to [shady Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} , and [he]_173-robert thought of [poor George Talboys]_157-george smoking [his]_157-george solitary cigar in [the room]_{595-the room} with the birds and canaries . " [I]_173-robert wish [I]_173-robert 'd never felt any friendliness for [the fellow]_{5483-the fellow} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought . " [I]_173-robert feel like [a man who has [an only son whose life has gone wrong with [him]_173-robert]_{5485-an only son whose life has gone wrong with him} . [I]_173-robert wish to [Heaven]_201-heaven [I]_173-robert could give [him]_173-robert back [[his]_173-robert wife]_{554-his wife}]_{5484-a man who has an only son whose life has gone wrong with him . i wish to heaven i could give him back his wife} , and send [him]_173-robert down to [Ventnor]_26-ventnor to finish [his]_173-robert days in peace . "_[173-robert] Still [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's pretty musical prattle ran on as merrily and continuously as the babble in [some brook]_{1291-some brook} ; and still [Robert]_173-robert 's thoughts wandered , in spite of [himself]_173-robert , to [George Talboys]_157-george . [He]_173-robert thought of [him]_157-george hurrying down to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} by [the mail train]_{1292-the mail train} to see [[his]_157-george boy]_{1293-his boy} . [He]_173-robert thought of [him]_157-george as [he]_173-robert had often seen [him]_157-george spelling over the shipping advertisements in the Times , looking for [a vessel]_{4716-a vessel} to take [him]_157-george back to [Australia]_11-australia . Once [he]_173-robert thought of [him]_157-george with a shudder , lying cold and stiff at the bottom of [some shallow stream]_{1295-some shallow stream} with [his]_157-george dead face turned toward the darkening sky . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} noticed [his]_173-robert abstraction , and asked [him]_173-robert what [he]_173-robert was thinking of . " [George Talboys]_157-george , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert answered abruptly . [She]_{150-lady audley} gave a little nervous shudder . " Upon [my]_{150-lady audley} word , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said , " [you]_173-robert make [me]_{150-lady audley} quite uncomfortable by the way in which [you]_173-robert talk of [Mr. Talboys]_157-george . [One]_5487-one would think that something extraordinary had happened to [him]_157-george . "_{[150-lady audley]} " God forbid ! But [I]_{150-lady audley} can not help feeling uneasy about [him]_157-george . "_{[150-lady audley]} Later in the evening [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} asked for some music , and [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} went to the piano . [Robert Audley]_173-robert strolled after [her]_{468-my lady} to the instrument to turn over the leaves of [her]_{468-my lady} music ; but [she]_{468-my lady} played from memory , and [he]_173-robert was spared the trouble [his]_173-robert gallantry would have imposed upon [him]_173-robert . [He]_173-robert carried a pair of lighted candles to the piano , and arranged them conveniently for [the pretty musician]_{1297-the pretty musician} . [She]_{468-my lady} struck a few chords , and then wandered into a pensive sonata of [Beethoven]_{147-beethoven} 's . It was one of the many paradoxes in [her]_{468-my lady} character , that love of somber and melancholy melodies , so opposite to [her]_{468-my lady} gay nature . [Robert Audley]_173-robert lingered by [her]_{468-my lady} side , and as [he]_173-robert had no occupation in turning over the leaves of [her]_{468-my lady} music , [he]_173-robert amused [himself]_173-robert by watching [her]_{468-my lady} jeweled , white hands gliding softly over the keys , with the lace sleeves dropping away from , [her]_{468-my lady} graceful , arched wrists . [He]_173-robert looked at [her]_{468-my lady} pretty fingers one by one ; this one glittering with a ruby heart ; that encircled by an emerald serpent ; and about them all a starry glitter of diamonds . From the fingers [his]_173-robert eyes wandered to the rounded wrists : the broad , flat , gold bracelet upon [her]_{468-my lady} right wrist dropped over [her]_{468-my lady} hand , as [she]_{468-my lady} executed a rapid passage . [She]_{468-my lady} stopped abruptly to rearrange it ; but before [she]_{468-my lady} could do so [Robert Audley]_173-robert noticed a bruise upon [her]_{468-my lady} delicate skin . " [You]_{468-my lady} have hurt [your]_{468-my lady} arm , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} ! "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert exclaimed . [She]_{468-my lady} hastily replaced the bracelet . " It is nothing , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said . " [I]_{468-my lady} am unfortunate in having a skin which the slightest touch bruises . "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} went on playing , but [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} came across [the room]_{595-the room} to look into the matter of the bruise upon [[his]_{146-sir michael} wife]_{554-his wife} 's pretty wrist . " What is it , [Lucy]_197-lucy ? "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} asked ; " and how did it happen ? "_{[146-sir michael]} " How foolish [you]_{146-sir michael} all are to trouble [yourselves]_{146-sir michael} about anything so absurd ! "_{[150-lady audley]} said [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , laughing . " [I]_{150-lady audley} am rather absent in mind , and amused [myself]_{150-lady audley} a few days ago by tying a piece of ribbon around [my]_{150-lady audley} arm so tightly , that it left a bruise when [I]_{150-lady audley} removed it . "_{[150-lady audley]} " Hum ! "_[173-robert] thought [Robert]_173-robert . " [[My]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} tells little childish white lies ; the bruise is of a more recent date than a few days ago ; the skin has only just begun to change color . "_[173-robert] [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} took the slender wrist in [his]_{146-sir michael} strong hand . " Hold the candle , [Robert]_173-robert , "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} said , " and let [us]_5489-us look at this poor little arm . "_{[146-sir michael]} It was not one bruise , but four slender , purple marks , such as might have been made by the four fingers of a powerful hand , that had grasped the delicate wrist a shade too roughly . A narrow ribbon , bound tightly , might have left some such marks , it is true , and [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} protested once more that , to the best of [her]_{468-my lady} recollection , that must have been how they were made . Across one of the faint purple marks there was a darker tinge , as if a ring worn on one of those strong and cruel fingers had been ground into the tender flesh . " [I]_173-robert am sure [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} must tell white lies , "_[173-robert] thought [Robert]_173-robert , " for [I]_173-robert ca n't believe the story of the ribbon . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert wished [[his]_173-robert relations]_{1301-his relations} good - night and good - by at about half past ten o'clock ; [he]_173-robert should run up to [London]_3-london by [the first train]_{873-the first train} to look for [George]_157-george in [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} . " If [I]_173-robert do n't find [him]_157-george [there]_374-there [I]_173-robert shall go to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said ; " and if [I]_173-robert do n't find [him]_157-george there — "_[173-robert] " What then ? "_{[468-my lady]} asked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . " [I]_173-robert shall think that something strange has happened . "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert felt very low - spirited as [he]_173-robert walked slowly [home]_479-home between [the shadowy meadows]_{1305-the shadowy meadows} ; more low - spirited still when [he]_173-robert re - entered [the sitting room at [Sun Inn]_{47-sun inn}]_{1306-the sitting room at sun inn} , where [he]_173-robert and [George]_157-george had lounged together , staring out of the window and smoking [their]_1307-their cigars . " To think , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , meditatively , " that it is possible to care so much for [a fellow]_{5492-a fellow} ! But come what may , [I]_173-robert 'll go up to [town]_864-town after [him]_{5492-a fellow} the first thing to - morrow morning ; and , sooner than be balked in finding [him]_{5492-a fellow} , [I]_173-robert 'll go to [the very end of [the world]_{519-the world}]_{5494-the very end of the world} . "_[173-robert] With [Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's lymphatic nature , determination was so much the exception rather than the rule , that when [he]_173-robert did for once in [his]_173-robert life resolve upon any course of action , [he]_173-robert had a certain dogged , iron - like obstinacy that pushed [him]_173-robert on to the fulfillment of [his]_173-robert purpose . The lazy bent of [his]_173-robert mind , which prevented [him]_173-robert from thinking of half a dozen things at a time , and not thinking thoroughly of any one of them , as is the manner of [[your]_1308-your more energetic people]_{1309-your more energetic people} , made [him]_173-robert remarkably clear - sighted upon any point to which [he]_173-robert ever gave [his]_173-robert serious attention . Indeed , after all , though [solemn benchers]_{1310-solemn benchers} laughed at [him]_173-robert , and [rising barristers]_{1311-rising barristers} shrugged [their]_{1311-rising barristers} shoulders under rustling silk gowns , when [people]_572-people spoke of [Robert Audley]_173-robert , [I]_0-i doubt if , had [he]_173-robert ever taken the trouble to get a brief , [he]_173-robert might not have rather surprised [the magnates who underrated [his]_173-robert abilities]_{1313-the magnates who underrated his abilities} . The September sunlight sparkled upon the fountain in [the Temple Gardens]_{15-the temple gardens} when [Robert Audley]_173-robert returned to [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} early the following morning . [He]_173-robert found the canaries singing in [the pretty little room in which [George]_157-george had slept]_{1314-the pretty little room in which george had slept} , but [the apartment]_{5327-the apartment} was in the same prim order in which [the laundress]_{1316-the laundress} had arranged it after the departure of [the two young men]_{4962-the two young men} — not a chair displaced , or so much as the lid of a cigar - box lifted , to bespeak the presence of [George Talboys]_157-george . With a last , lingering hope , [he]_173-robert searched upon the mantelpieces and tables of [[his]_173-robert rooms]_{1318-his rooms} , on the chance of finding some letter left by [George]_157-george . " [He]_157-george may have slept [here]_4776-here last night , and started for [Southampton]_{33-southampton} early this morning , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought . " [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} has been [here]_4776-here , very likely , to make everything tidy after [him]_157-george . "_[173-robert] But as [he]_173-robert sat looking lazily around [the room]_{595-the room} , now and then whistling to [his]_173-robert delighted canaries , a slipshod foot upon the staircase without bespoke the advent of [that very Mrs. Maloney who waited upon [the two young men]_{4962-the two young men}]_{1320-that very mrs. maloney who waited upon the two young men} . No , [Mr. Talboys]_157-george had not come [home]_479-home ; [she]_{1320-that very mrs. maloney who waited upon the two young men} had looked in as early as six o'clock that morning , and found [the chambers]_{1323-the chambers} empty . " Had anything happened to [the poor , dear gentleman]_{5498-the poor , dear gentleman} ? "_{[1320-that very mrs. maloney who waited upon the two young men]} [she]_{1320-that very mrs. maloney who waited upon the two young men} asked , seeing [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's pale face . [He]_173-robert turned around upon [her]_{1320-that very mrs. maloney who waited upon the two young men} quite savagely at this question . Happened to [him]_173-robert ! What should happen to [him]_173-robert ? [They]_{4962-the two young men} had only parted at two o'clock the day before . [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} would have related to [him]_173-robert the history of [a poor dear young engine - driver]_{1324-a poor dear young engine - driver} , who had once lodged with [her]_{1320-that very mrs. maloney who waited upon the two young men} , and who went out , after eating a hearty dinner , in the best of spirits , to meet with [his]_173-robert death from the concussion of [an express and a luggage train]_{1325-an express and a luggage train} ; but [Robert]_173-robert put on [his]_173-robert hat again , and walked straight out of [the house]_{388-the house} before [the honest Irishwoman]_{1327-the honest irishwoman} could begin [her]_{1320-that very mrs. maloney who waited upon the two young men} pitiful story . It was growing dusk when [he]_173-robert reached [Southampton]_{33-southampton} . [He]_173-robert knew [his]_173-robert way to [the poor little terrace of [houses]_1329-houses]_{1328-the poor little terrace of houses} , in [a full street leading down to [the water]_{403-the water} , where [[George]_157-george 's father - in - law]_{1332-george 's father - in - law} lived]_{1330-a full street leading down to the water , where george 's father - in - law lived} . [Little Georgey]_{203-little georgey} was playing at the open parlor window as [the young man]_{667-the young man} walked down [the street]_{4740-the street} . Perhaps it was this fact , and the dull and silent aspect of [the house]_{388-the house} , which filled [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's mind with a vague conviction that [the man]_{634-the man} [he]_173-robert came to look for was not there . [The old man]_{694-the old man} [himself]_{694-the old man} opened the door , and [the child]_{5037-the child} peeped out of [the parlor]_{4803-the parlor} to see [the strange gentleman]_{1340-the strange gentleman} . [He]_{1340-the strange gentleman} was [a handsome boy]_{1341-a handsome boy} , with [[his]_{1340-the strange gentleman} father]_{709-his father} 's brown eyes and dark waving hair , and with some latent expression which was not [[his]_{1340-the strange gentleman} father]_{709-his father} 's and which pervaded [his]_{1340-the strange gentleman} whole face , so that although each feature of [the child]_{5037-the child} resembled the same feature in [George Talboys]_157-george , [the boy]_{5049-the boy} was not actually like [him]_{1340-the strange gentleman} . [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} was delighted to see [Robert Audley]_173-robert ; [he]_{182-mr. maldon} remembered having had the pleasure of meeting [him]_173-robert at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor , on the melancholy occasion of — [He]_{182-mr. maldon} wiped [his]_{182-mr. maldon} watery old eyes by way of conclusion to the sentence . Would [Mr. Audley]_173-robert walk in ? [Robert]_173-robert strode into [the parlor]_{4803-the parlor} . The furniture was shabby and dingy , and [the place]_{385-the place} reeked with the smell of stale tobacco and brandy - and - water . [The boy]_{5049-the boy} 's broken playthings , and [the old man]_{694-the old man} 's broken clay pipes and torn , brandy - and - water - stained newspapers were scattered upon the dirty carpet . [Little Georgey]_{203-little georgey} crept toward [the visitor]_{396-the visitor} , watching [him]_{396-the visitor} furtively out of [his]_{203-little georgey} big , brown eyes . [Robert]_173-robert took [the boy]_{5049-the boy} on [his]_173-robert knee , and gave [him]_{5049-the boy} [his]_173-robert watch - chain to play with while [he]_173-robert talked to [the old man]_{694-the old man} . " [I]_173-robert need scarcely ask the question that [I]_173-robert come to ask , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said ; " [I]_173-robert was in hopes [I]_173-robert should have found [[your]_{694-the old man} son - in - law]_{927-your son - in - law} [here]_4776-here . "_[173-robert] " What ! [you]_173-robert knew that [he]_{927-your son - in - law} was coming to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} ? "_[173-robert] " Knew that [he]_{927-your son - in - law} was coming ? "_[173-robert] cried [Robert]_173-robert , brightening up . " [He]_{927-your son - in - law} is here , then ? "_[173-robert] " No , [he]_{927-your son - in - law} is not here now ; but [he]_{927-your son - in - law} has been [here]_4776-here . "_[173-robert] " When ? "_[173-robert] " Late last night ; [he]_{927-your son - in - law} came by the mail . "_[173-robert] " And left again immediately ? "_[173-robert] " [He]_{927-your son - in - law} stayed little better than an hour . "_[173-robert] " [Good Heaven]_201-heaven ! "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , " what useless anxiety [that man]_{1095-that man} has given [me]_173-robert ! What can be the meaning of all this ? "_[173-robert] " [You]_173-robert knew nothing of [his]_{927-your son - in - law} intention , then ? "_[173-robert] " Of what intention ? "_[173-robert] " [I]_173-robert mean of [his]_{927-your son - in - law} determination to go to [Australia]_11-australia . "_[173-robert] " [I]_173-robert know that it was always in [his]_{927-your son - in - law} mind more or less , but not more just now than usual . "_[173-robert] " [He]_{927-your son - in - law} sails to - night from [Liverpool]_6-liverpool . [He]_{927-your son - in - law} came [here]_4776-here at one o'clock this morning to have a look at [the boy]_{5049-the boy} , [he]_{927-your son - in - law} said , before [he]_{927-your son - in - law} left [England]_7-england , perhaps never to return . [He]_{927-your son - in - law} told [me]_173-robert [he]_{927-your son - in - law} was sick of [the world]_{519-the world} , and that the rough life out there was the only thing to suit [him]_{927-your son - in - law} . [He]_{927-your son - in - law} stayed an hour , kissed [the boy]_{5049-the boy} without awaking [him]_{5049-the boy} , and left [Southampton]_{33-southampton} by the mail that starts at a quarter - past two . "_[173-robert] " What can be the meaning of all this ? "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert . " What could be [his]_{927-your son - in - law} motive for leaving [England]_7-england in this manner , without a word to [me]_173-robert , [[his]_{927-your son - in - law} most intimate friend]_{5507-his most intimate friend} — without even a change of clothes ; for [he]_{927-your son - in - law} has left everything at [[my]_173-robert chambers]_{860-my chambers} ? It is the most extraordinary proceeding ! "_[173-robert] [The old man]_{694-the old man} looked very grave . " Do [you]_173-robert know , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , "_{[694-the old man]} [he]_{694-the old man} said , tapping [his]_{694-the old man} forehead significantly , " [I]_{694-the old man} sometimes fancy that [Helen]_{179-helen talboys} 's death had a strange effect upon poor [George]_157-george . "_{[694-the old man]} " [Pshaw]_204-pshaw ! "_[173-robert] cried [Robert]_173-robert , contemptuously ; " [he]_157-george felt the blow most cruelly , but [his]_157-george brain was as sound as [yours]_173-robert or [mine]_173-robert . "_[173-robert] " Perhaps [he]_157-george will write to [you]_173-robert from [Liverpool]_6-liverpool , "_{[1332-george 's father - in - law]} said [[George]_157-george 's father - in - law]_{1332-george 's father - in - law} . [He]_{1332-george 's father - in - law} seemed anxious to smooth over any indignation that [Robert]_173-robert might feel at [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} 's conduct . " [He]_157-george ought , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , gravely , " for [we]_5509-we 've been [good friends]_{5510-good friends} from the days when [we]_5509-we were together at [Eton]_21-eton . It is n't kind of [George Talboys]_157-george to treat [me]_173-robert like this . "_[173-robert] But even at the moment that [he]_173-robert uttered the reproach a strange thrill of remorse shot through [his]_173-robert heart . " It is n't like [him]_157-george , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " it is n't like [George Talboys]_157-george . "_[173-robert] [Little Georgey]_{203-little georgey} caught at the sound . " That 's [my]_173-robert name , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " and [[my]_173-robert papa]_{5511-my papa} 's name — [the big gentleman]_{1083-the big gentleman} 's name . "_[173-robert] " Yes , [little Georgey]_{203-little georgey} , and [[your]_{203-little georgey} papa]_{5513-your papa} came last night and kissed [you]_{203-little georgey} in [your]_{203-little georgey} sleep . Do [you]_{203-little georgey} remember ? "_[173-robert] " No , "_{[5049-the boy]} said [the boy]_{5049-the boy} , shaking [his]_{5049-the boy} curly little head . " [You]_{203-little georgey} must have been very fast asleep , [little Georgey]_{203-little georgey} , not to see [poor papa]_{5514-poor papa} . "_{[5049-the boy]} [The child]_{5037-the child} did not answer , but presently , fixing [his]_173-robert eyes upon [Robert]_173-robert 's face , [he]_173-robert said abruptly : " Where 's [the pretty lady]_{5515-the pretty lady} ? "_[173-robert] " [What pretty lady]_{5516-what pretty lady} ? "_[173-robert] " [The pretty lady that used to come a long while ago]_{5517-the pretty lady that used to come a long while ago} . "_[173-robert] " [He]_{5514-poor papa} means [[his]_{5514-poor papa} poor mamma]_{5518-his poor mamma} , "_{[694-the old man]} said [the old man]_{694-the old man} . " No , "_{[5049-the boy]} cried [the boy]_{5049-the boy} resolutely , " not [mamma]_5519-mamma . [Mamma]_205-mamma was always crying . [I]_{5049-the boy} did n't like [mamma]_5519-mamma — "_{[5049-the boy]} " Hush , [little Georgey]_{203-little georgey} ! "_[173-robert] " But [I]_173-robert did n't , and [she]_{5515-the pretty lady} did n't like [me]_173-robert . [She]_{5515-the pretty lady} was always crying . [I]_173-robert mean [the pretty lady]_{5515-the pretty lady} ; the lady that was dressed so fine , and that gave [me]_173-robert [my]_173-robert gold watch . "_[173-robert] " [He]_{5515-the pretty lady} means [the wife of [[my]_{5049-the boy} old captain]_{5523-my old captain}]_{5522-the wife of my old captain} — [an excellent creature , who took a great fancy to [Georgey]_{203-little georgey}]_{5524-an excellent creature , who took a great fancy to georgey} , and gave [him]_{5523-my old captain} some handsome presents . "_{[5049-the boy]} " Where 's [my]_{203-little georgey} gold watch ? Let [me]_{203-little georgey} show [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} [my]_{203-little georgey} gold watch , "_{[203-little georgey]} cried [Georgey]_{203-little georgey} . " It 's gone to be cleaned , [Georgey]_{203-little georgey} , "_{[203-little georgey]} answered [[his]_{203-little georgey} grandfather]_{5035-his grandfather} . " It 's always going to be cleaned , "_{[5049-the boy]} said [the boy]_{5049-the boy} . " The watch is perfectly safe , [I]_{694-the old man} assure [you]_{5049-the boy} , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , "_{[694-the old man]} murmured [the old man]_{694-the old man} , apologetically ; and taking out [a pawnbroker]_{1363-a pawnbroker} 's duplicate , [he]_{694-the old man} handed it to [Robert]_173-robert . It was made out in the name of [Captain Mortimer]_{206-captain mortimer} : " Watch , set with diamonds , £ 11 . "_{[206-captain mortimer]} " [I]_{694-the old man} 'm often hard pressed for a few shillings , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , "_{[694-the old man]} said [the old man]_{694-the old man} . " [[My]_{694-the old man} son - in - law]_{5526-my son - in - law} has been very liberal to [me]_{694-the old man} ; but there are [others]_5097-others , there are [others]_5097-others , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert — and — and — [I've]_{694-the old man} not been treated well . "_{[694-the old man]} [He]_{694-the old man} wiped away some genuine tears as [he]_{694-the old man} said this in a pitiful , crying voice . " Come , [Georgey]_{203-little georgey} , it 's time [the brave little man]_{5529-the brave little man} was in bed . Come along with [grandpa]_910-grandpa . Excuse [me]_{694-the old man} for a quarter of an hour , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . "_{[694-the old man]} [The boy]_{5049-the boy} went very willingly . At the door of [the room]_{595-the room} [the old man]_{694-the old man} looked back at [[his]_{694-the old man} visitor]_{1368-his visitor} , and said in the same peevish voice , " This is a poor place for [me]_{694-the old man} to pass [my]_{694-the old man} declining years in , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . [I]_{694-the old man} 've made many sacrifices , and [I]_{694-the old man} make them still , but [I]_{694-the old man} 've not been treated well . "_{[694-the old man]} Left alone in [the dusky little sitting - room]_{1369-the dusky little sitting - room} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert folded [his]_173-robert arms , and sat absently staring at the floor . [George]_157-george was gone , then ; [he]_157-george might receive some letter of explanation perhaps , when [he]_157-george returned to [London]_3-london ; but the chances were that [he]_157-george would never see [[his]_157-george old friend]_{4944-his old friend} again . " And to think that [I]_173-robert should care so much for [the fellow]_{5483-the fellow} ! "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , lifting [his]_173-robert eyebrows to the center of [his]_173-robert forehead . " [The place]_{385-the place} smells of stale tobacco like [a tap - room]_{5533-a tap - room} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert muttered presently ; " there can be no harm in [my]_173-robert smoking a cigar [here]_4776-here . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert took one from the case in [his]_173-robert pocket : there was a spark of fire in the little grate , and [he]_173-robert looked about for something to light [his]_173-robert cigar with . A twisted piece of paper lay half burned upon the hearthrug ; [he]_173-robert picked it up , and unfolded it , in order to get a better pipe - light by folding it the other way of the paper . As [he]_173-robert did so , absently glancing at the penciled writing upon the fragment of thin paper , a portion of a name caught [his]_173-robert eye — a portion of the name that was most in [his]_173-robert thoughts . [He]_173-robert took the scrap of paper to the window , and examined it by the declining light . It was part of a telegraphic dispatch . The upper portion had been burnt away , but the more important part , the greater part of the message itself , remained . " — [alboys]_5535-alboys came to — — last night , and left by the mail for [London]_3-london , on [his]_5535-alboys way to [Liverpool]_6-liverpool , whence [he]_5535-alboys was to sail for [Sydney]_5-sydney . "_[173-robert] The date and the name and address of [the sender of the message]_{1371-the sender of the message} had been burnt with the heading . [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's face blanched to a deathly whiteness . [He]_173-robert carefully folded the scrap of paper , and placed it between the leaves of [his]_173-robert pocket - book . " [[My]_173-robert God]_{5536-my god} ! "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " what is the meaning of this ? [I]_173-robert shall go to [Liverpool]_6-liverpool to - night , and make inquiries there ! "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert left [Southampton]_{33-southampton} by the mail , and let [himself]_173-robert into [[his]_173-robert chambers]_{4865-his chambers} just as the dawn was creeping cold and gray into [the solitary rooms]_{1373-the solitary rooms} , and the canaries were beginning to rustle their feathers feebly in the early morning . There were several letters in the box behind the door , but there was none from [George Talboys]_157-george . [The young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} was worn out by a long day spent in hurrying from place to place . The usual lazy monotony of [his]_{5094-the young barrister} life had been broken as it had never been broken before in eight - and - twenty tranquil , easy - going years . [His]_{5094-the young barrister} mind was beginning to grow confused upon the point of time . It seemed to [him]_{5094-the young barrister} months since [he]_{5094-the young barrister} had lost sight of [George Talboys]_157-george . It was so difficult to believe that it was less than forty - eight hours ago that [the young man]_{667-the young man} had left [him]_{5094-the young barrister} asleep under the willows by [the trout stream]_{1241-the trout stream} . [His]_{5094-the young barrister} eyes were painfully weary for want of sleep . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} searched about [the room]_{595-the room} for some time , looking in all sorts of impossible places for a letter from [George Talboys]_157-george , and then threw [himself]_{5094-the young barrister} dressed upon [[his]_{5094-the young barrister} friend]_{4909-his friend} 's bed , in [the room with the canaries and geraniums]_{1379-the room with the canaries and geraniums} . " [I]_{5094-the young barrister} shall wait for to - morrow morning 's post , "_{[5094-the young barrister]} [he]_{5094-the young barrister} said ; " and if that brings no letter from [George]_157-george , [I]_{5094-the young barrister} shall start for [Liverpool]_6-liverpool without a moment 's delay . "_{[5094-the young barrister]} [He]_{5094-the young barrister} was thoroughly exhausted , and fell into a heavy sleep — a sleep which was profound without being in any way refreshing , for [he]_{5094-the young barrister} was tormented all the time by disagreeable dreams — dreams which were painful , not from any horror in themselves , but from a vague and wearying sense of their confusion and absurdity . At one time [he]_{5094-the young barrister} was pursuing [strange people]_{5472-strange people} and entering [strange houses]_{1381-strange houses} in the endeavor to unravel the mystery of the telegraphic dispatch ; at another time [he]_{5094-the young barrister} was in [the church - yard]_{1382-the church - yard} at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor , gazing at the headstone [George]_157-george had ordered for [the grave of [[his]_157-george dead wife]_{5028-his dead wife}]_{1383-the grave of his dead wife} . Once in the long , rambling mystery of these dreams [he]_{5094-the young barrister} went to [the grave]_{1385-the grave} , and found this headstone gone , and on remonstrating with [the stonemason]_{5025-the stonemason} , was told that [the man]_{634-the man} had a reason for removing the inscription ; a reason that [Robert]_173-robert would some day learn . In another dream [he]_{5094-the young barrister} saw [the grave of [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys}]_{1388-the grave of helen talboys} open , and while [he]_{5094-the young barrister} waited , with the cold horror lifting up [his]_{5094-the young barrister} hair , to see [the dead woman]_{1389-the dead woman} rise and stand before [him]_{5094-the young barrister} with [her]_{1389-the dead woman} stiff , charnel - house drapery clinging about [her]_{1389-the dead woman} rigid limbs , [[[his]_{5094-the young barrister} uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's wife]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} tripped gaily out of [the open grave]_{1392-the open grave} , dressed in the crimson velvet robes in which [the artist]_{5336-the artist} had painted [her]_{1389-the dead woman} , and with [her]_{1389-the dead woman} ringlets flashing like red gold in the unearthly light that shone about [her]_{1389-the dead woman} . But into all these dreams the places [he]_{5094-the young barrister} had last been in , and [the people with whom [he]_{5094-the young barrister} had last been concerned]_{1394-the people with whom he had last been concerned} , were dimly interwoven — sometimes [[his]_{5094-the young barrister} uncle]_{4872-his uncle} ; sometimes [Alicia]_149-alicia ; oftenest of all [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ; [the trout stream in [Essex]_2-essex]_{1397-the trout stream in essex} ; the lime - walk at [the Court]_{373-the court} . Once [he]_{5094-the young barrister} was walking in the black shadows of [this long avenue]_{1399-this long avenue} , with [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} hanging on [his]_{5094-the young barrister} arm , when suddenly [they]_1400-they heard a great knocking in the distance , and [[[his]_{5094-the young barrister} uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's wife]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} wound [her]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} slender arms around [him]_{5094-the young barrister} , crying out that it was the day of judgment , and that all wicked secrets must now be told . Looking at [her]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} as [she]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} shrieked this in [his]_{5094-the young barrister} ear , [he]_{5094-the young barrister} saw that [her]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} face had grown ghastly white , and that [her]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} beautiful golden ringlets were changing into serpents , and slowly creeping down [her]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} fair neck . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} started from [his]_{5094-the young barrister} dream to find that there was [some one really knocking at]_{1403-some one really knocking at} the outer door of [[his]_{5094-the young barrister} chambers]_{4865-his chambers} . It was a dreary , wet morning , the rain beating against the windows , and the canaries twittering dismally to each other — complaining , perhaps , of the bad weather . [Robert]_173-robert could not tell how long [the person]_{1405-the person} had been knocking . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} had mixed the sound with [his]_{5094-the young barrister} dreams , and when [he]_{5094-the young barrister} woke [he]_{5094-the young barrister} was only half conscious of other things . " It 's that stupid [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} , [I]_{5094-the young barrister} dare say , "_{[5094-the young barrister]} [he]_{5094-the young barrister} muttered . " [She]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} may knock again for all [I]_{5094-the young barrister} care . Why ca n't [she]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} use [her]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} duplicate key , instead of dragging [a man]_{445-a man} out of bed when [he]_{445-a man} 's half dead with fatigue . "_{[5094-the young barrister]} [The person]_{1405-the person} , whoever it was , did knock again , and then desisted , apparently tired out ; but about a minute afterward a key turned in the door . " [She]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} had [her]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} key with [her]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} all the time , then , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert . " [I]_173-robert 'm very glad [I]_173-robert did n't get up . "_[173-robert] The door between [the sitting - room]_{5373-the sitting - room} and [bed - room]_{1408-bed - room} was half open , and [he]_{5094-the young barrister} could see [the laundress]_{1316-the laundress} bustling about , dusting the furniture , and rearranging things that had never been disarranged . " Is that [you]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} , [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} ? "_{[5094-the young barrister]} [he]_{5094-the young barrister} asked . " Yes , [sir]_900-sir , "_{[5094-the young barrister]} " Then why , in goodness ' name , did [you]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} make that row at the door , when [you]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} had a key with [you]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} all the time ? "_{[1316-the laundress]} " A row at the door , [sir]_900-sir ? "_{[1316-the laundress]} " Yes ; that infernal knocking . "_{[5094-the young barrister]} " Sure [I]_{1316-the laundress} never knocked , [Mister Audley]_173-robert , but walked straight in with [my]_{1316-the laundress} kay — "_{[1316-the laundress]} " Then who did knock ? There 's been [some one kicking up a row at that door]_{5540-some one kicking up a row at that door} for a quarter of an hour , [I]_{1316-the laundress} should think ; [you]_900-sir must have met [him]_{5540-some one kicking up a row at that door} going down - stairs . "_{[1316-the laundress]} " But [I]_{5094-the young barrister} 'm rather late this morning , [sir]_900-sir , for [I]_{5094-the young barrister} 've been in [[Mr. Martin]_207-martin 's rooms]_{5542-mr. martin 's rooms} first , and [I]_{5094-the young barrister} 've come straight from the floor above . "_{[5094-the young barrister]} " Then [you]_900-sir did n't see [any one at the door]_{5543-any one at the door} , or on the stairs ? "_{[1316-the laundress]} " Not [a mortal soul]_{5544-a mortal soul} , [sir]_900-sir . "_{[1316-the laundress]} " Was ever anything so provoking ? "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert . " To think that [I]_173-robert should have let [this person]_{5546-this person} go away without ascertaining who [he]_{5546-this person} was , or what [he]_{5546-this person} wanted ! How do [I]_173-robert know that it was not some one with a message or a letter from [George Talboys]_157-george ? "_[173-robert] " Sure if it was , [sir]_900-sir , [he]_157-george 'll come again , "_{[202-mrs. maloney]} said [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} , soothingly . " Yes , of course , if it was anything of consequence [he]_157-george 'll come again , "_[173-robert] muttered [Robert]_173-robert . The fact was , that from the moment of finding the telegraphic message at [Southampton]_{33-southampton} , all hope of hearing of [George]_157-george had faded out of [his]_173-robert mind . [He]_173-robert felt that there was some mystery involved in the disappearance of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} — some treachery toward [himself]_173-robert , or toward [George]_157-george . What if [[the young man]_{667-the young man} 's greedy old father - in - law]_{1412-the young man 's greedy old father - in - law} had tried to separate [them]_1413-them on account of the monetary trust lodged in [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's hands ? Or what if , since even in these civilized days all kinds of unsuspected horrors are constantly committed — what if [the old man]_{694-the old man} had decoyed [George]_157-george down to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} , and made away with [him]_157-george in order to get possession of that £ 20,000 , left in [[Robert]_173-robert 's custody]_{1415-robert 's custody} for [little Georgey]_{203-little georgey} 's use ? But neither of these suppositions explained the telegraphic message , and it was the telegraphic message which had filled [Robert]_173-robert 's mind with a vague sense of alarm . [The postman]_{4882-the postman} brought no letter from [George Talboys]_157-george , and [the person who had knocked at the door of the chambers]_{1417-the person who had knocked at the door of the chambers} did not return between seven and nine o'clock , so [Robert Audley]_173-robert left [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} once more in search of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} . This time [he]_173-robert told [the cabman]_{1419-the cabman} to drive to [the Euston Station]_{1420-the euston station} , and in twenty minutes [he]_173-robert was on [the platform]_{1421-the platform} , making inquiries about [the trains]_{1422-the trains} . The [Liverpool]_6-liverpool express had started half an hour before [he]_173-robert reached [the station]_{1271-the station} , and [he]_173-robert had to wait an hour and a quarter for [a slow train]_{1424-a slow train} to take [him]_173-robert to [his]_173-robert destination . [Robert Audley]_173-robert chafed cruelly at this delay . [Half a dozen vessels]_{1425-half a dozen vessels} might sail for [Australia]_11-australia while [he]_173-robert roamed up and down [the long platform]_{1426-the long platform} , tumbling over [trucks]_1427-trucks and [porters]_1428-porters , and swearing at [his]_173-robert ill - luck . [He]_173-robert bought the Times newspaper , and looked instinctively at the second column , with a morbid interest in the advertisements of [people missing]_{1429-people missing} — [sons]_1430-sons , [brothers]_{1431-brothers} , and [husbands who had left [[their]_{1432-husbands who had left their homes , never to return or to be heard of more} homes]_{1433-their homes} , never to return or to be heard of more]_{1432-husbands who had left their homes , never to return or to be heard of more} . There was one advertisement of [a young man]_{4958-a young man} found drowned somewhere on [the Lambeth shore]_{1435-the lambeth shore} . What if that should have been [George]_157-george 's fate ? No ; the telegraphic message involved [[his]_157-george father - in - law]_{5039-his father - in - law} in the fact of [his]_157-george disappearance , and every speculation about [him]_157-george must start from that one point . It was eight o'clock in the evening when [Robert]_173-robert got into [Liverpool]_6-liverpool ; too late for anything except to make inquiries as to what [vessel]_1437-vessel had sailed within the last two days for [the antipodes]_{1438-the antipodes} . [An emigrant ship]_{1439-an emigrant ship} had sailed at four o'clock that afternoon — [the Victoria Regia]_{48-the victoria regia} , bound for [Melbourne]_10-melbourne . The result of [his]_173-robert inquiries amounted to this — If [he]_173-robert wanted to find out who had sailed in the [Victoria Regia]_{48-the victoria regia} , [he]_173-robert must wait till the next morning , and apply for information of [that vessel]_{1440-that vessel} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert was at [the office]_{1265-the office} at nine o'clock the next morning , and was the first person after [the clerks who entered it]_{1442-the clerks who entered it} . [He]_173-robert met with every civility from [the clerk to whom [he]_173-robert applied]_{1443-the clerk to whom he applied} . [The young man]_{667-the young man} referred to [his]_{667-the young man} books , and running [his]_{667-the young man} pen down the list of [passengers who had sailed in [the Victoria Regia]_{48-the victoria regia}]_{1445-passengers who had sailed in the victoria regia} , told [Robert]_173-robert that there was [no one among [them]_{1445-passengers who had sailed in the victoria regia} of the name of [Talboys]_157-george]_{1446-no one among them of the name of talboys} . [He]_173-robert pushed [his]_173-robert inquiries further . Had any of [the passengers]_{672-the passengers} entered [their]_{672-the passengers} names within a short time of [the vessel]_{630-the vessel} 's sailing ? [One of [the other clerks]_{1450-the other clerks}]_{1449-one of the other clerks} looked up from [his]_{1449-one of the other clerks} desk as [Robert]_173-robert asked this question . Yes , [he]_{1449-one of the other clerks} said ; [he]_{1449-one of the other clerks} remembered [a young man]_{4958-a young man} 's coming into [the office]_{1265-the office} at half - past three o'clock in the afternoon , and paying [his]_{4958-a young man} passage money . [His]_{4958-a young man} name was the last on the list — [Thomas Brown]_{176-this mr. thomas brown} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert shrugged [his]_173-robert shoulders . There could have been no possible reason for [George]_157-george 's taking a feigned name . [He]_173-robert asked [the clerk who had last spoken if [he]_{1453-the clerk who had last spoken if he could remember the appearance of this mr. thomas brown} could remember the appearance of [this Mr. Thomas Brown]_{176-this mr. thomas brown}]_{1453-the clerk who had last spoken if he could remember the appearance of this mr. thomas brown} . No ; [the office]_{1265-the office} was crowded at the time ; [people]_572-people were running in and out , and [he]_173-robert had not taken any particular notice of [this last passenger]_{1456-this last passenger} . [Robert]_173-robert thanked [them]_572-people for [their]_572-people civility , and wished [them]_572-people good - morning . As [he]_173-robert was leaving [the office]_{1265-the office} , one of [the young men]_{4930-the young men} called after [him]_173-robert : " Oh , by - the - by , [sir]_900-sir , "_[1459-he] [he]_1459-he said , " [I]_1459-he remember one thing about [this Mr. Thomas Brown]_{176-this mr. thomas brown} — [his]_{176-this mr. thomas brown} arm was in a sling . "_[1459-he] There was nothing more for [Robert Audley]_173-robert to do but to return to [town]_864-town . [He]_173-robert re - entered [[his]_173-robert chambers]_{4865-his chambers} at six o'clock that evening , thoroughly worn out once more with [his]_173-robert useless search . [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} brought [him]_173-robert [his]_173-robert dinner and a pint of wine from [a tavern in [the Strand]_{4920-the strand}]_{1462-a tavern in the strand} . The evening was raw and chilly , and [the laundress]_{1316-the laundress} had lighted a good fire in [the sitting - room grate]_{1465-the sitting - room grate} . After eating about half a mutton - chop , [Robert]_173-robert sat with [his]_173-robert wine untasted upon the table before [him]_173-robert , smoking cigars and staring into the blaze . " [George Talboys]_157-george never sailed for [Australia]_11-australia , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , after long and painful reflection . " If [he]_157-george is alive , [he]_157-george is still in [England]_7-england ; and if [he]_157-george is dead , [his]_157-george body is hidden in [some corner of [England]_7-england]_{5549-some corner of england} . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert sat for hours smoking and thinking — trouble and gloomy thoughts leaving a dark shadow upon [his]_173-robert moody face , which neither the brilliant light of the gas nor the red blaze of the fire could dispel . Very late in the evening [he]_173-robert rose from [his]_173-robert chair , pushed away the table , wheeled [his]_173-robert desk over to [the fire - place]_{1466-the fire - place} , took out a sheet of fools - cap , and dipped a pen in the ink . But after doing this [he]_173-robert paused , leaned [his]_173-robert forehead upon [his]_173-robert hand , and once more relapsed into thought . " [I]_173-robert shall draw up a record of all that has occurred between [our]_5550-our going down to [Essex]_2-essex and to - night , beginning at the very beginning . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert drew up this record in short , detached sentences , which [he]_173-robert numbered as [he]_173-robert wrote . It ran thus : " Journal of Facts connected with the Disappearance of [George Talboys]_157-george , inclusive of Facts which have no apparent Relation to that Circumstance . "_[173-robert] In spite of the troubled state of [his]_173-robert mind , [he]_173-robert was rather inclined to be proud of the official appearance of this heading . [He]_173-robert sat for some time looking at it with affection , and with the feather of [his]_173-robert pen in [his]_173-robert mouth . " Upon [my]_173-robert word , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " [I]_173-robert begin to think that [I]_173-robert ought to have pursued [my]_173-robert profession , instead of dawdling [my]_173-robert life away as [I]_173-robert have done . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert smoked half a cigar before [he]_173-robert had got [his]_173-robert thoughts in [proper train]_{1467-proper train} , and then began to write : " 1 . [I]_173-robert write to [Alicia]_149-alicia , proposing to take [George]_157-george down to [the Court]_{373-the court} . "_[173-robert] " 2 . [Alicia]_149-alicia writes , objecting to the visit , on the part of [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_[173-robert] " 3 . [We]_5552-we go to [Essex]_2-essex in spite of that objection . [I]_173-robert see [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} . [[My]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} refuses to be introduced to [George]_157-george on that particular evening on the score of fatigue . "_[173-robert] " 4 . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} invites [George]_157-george and [me]_173-robert to dinner for the following evening . "_[173-robert] " 5 . [[My]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} receives a telegraphic dispatch the next morning which summons [her]_{468-my lady} to [London]_3-london . "_[173-robert] " 6 . [Alicia]_149-alicia shows [me]_173-robert a letter from [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} , in which [she]_{468-my lady} requests to be told when [I]_173-robert and [[my]_173-robert friend]_{836-my friend} , [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , mean to leave [Essex]_2-essex . To this letter is subjoined a postscript , reiterating the above request . "_[173-robert] " 7 . [We]_5558-we call at [the Court]_{373-the court} , and ask to see [the house]_{388-the house} . [[[My]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} 's apartments]_{4831-my lady 's apartments} are locked . "_[173-robert] " 8 . [We]_5558-we get at [the aforesaid apartments]_{5563-the aforesaid apartments} by means of a secret passage , the existence of which is unknown to [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} . In [one of [the rooms]_{803-the rooms}]_{5565-one of the rooms} [we]_5558-we find [her]_{468-my lady} portrait . "_[173-robert] " 9 . [George]_157-george is frightened at the storm . [His]_157-george conduct is exceedingly strange for the rest of the evening . "_[173-robert] " 10 . [George]_157-george quite [himself]_157-george again the following morning . [I]_173-robert propose leaving [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} immediately ; [he]_157-george prefers remaining till the evening . "_[173-robert] " 11 . [We]_5558-we go out fishing . [George]_157-george leaves [me]_173-robert to go to [the Court]_{373-the court} . "_[173-robert] " 12 . The last positive information [I]_173-robert can obtain of [him]_157-george in [Essex]_2-essex is at [the Court]_{373-the court} , where [the servant]_{1203-the servant} says [he]_{1203-the servant} thinks [Mr. Talboys]_157-george told [him]_{1203-the servant} [he]_{1203-the servant} would go and look for [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} in [the grounds]_{5571-the grounds} . "_[173-robert] " 13 . [I]_173-robert receive information about [him]_157-george at [the station]_{1271-the station} which may or may not be correct . "_[173-robert] " 14 . [I]_173-robert hear of [him]_157-george positively once more at [Southampton]_{33-southampton} , where , according to [[his]_157-george father - in - law]_{5039-his father - in - law} , [he]_157-george had been for an hour on the previous night . "_[173-robert] " 15 . The telegraphic message . "_[173-robert] When [Robert Audley]_173-robert had completed this brief record , which [he]_173-robert drew up with great deliberation , and with frequent pauses for reflection , alterations and erasures , [he]_173-robert sat for a long time contemplating the written page . At last [he]_173-robert read it carefully over , stopping at some of the numbered paragraphs , and marking some of them with a pencil cross ; then [he]_173-robert folded the sheet of foolscap , went over to a cabinet on the opposite side of [the room]_{595-the room} , unlocked it , and placed the paper in that very pigeon - hole into which [he]_173-robert had thrust [Alicia]_149-alicia 's letter — the pigeon - hole marked Important . Having done this , [he]_173-robert returned to [his]_173-robert easy - chair by the fire , pushed away [his]_173-robert desk , and lighted a cigar . " It 's as dark as midnight from first to last , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said ; " and the clew to the mystery must be found either at [Southampton]_{33-southampton} or in [Essex]_2-essex . Be it how it may , [my]_173-robert mind is made up . [I]_173-robert shall first go to [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} , and look for [George Talboys]_157-george in a narrow radius . "_[173-robert] " [[Mr. George Talboys.—Any]_{208-mr. george talboys.—any} person who has met [this gentleman since the 7th inst .]_{5575-this gentleman since the 7th inst .} , or who possesses any information respecting [him]_157-george subsequent to that date]_{5574-mr. george talboys.—any person who has met this gentleman since the 7th inst . , or who possesses any information respecting him subsequent to that date} , will be liberally rewarded on communicating with A.Z. , 14 [Chancery Lane]_{51-chancery lane} . "_[173-robert] [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} read the above advertisement in the second column of the Times , as [he]_173-robert sat at breakfast with [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} and [Alicia]_149-alicia two or three days after [Robert]_173-robert 's return to [town]_864-town . " [[Robert]_173-robert 's friend]_{5576-robert 's friend} has not yet been heard of , then , "_{[465-the baronet]} said [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} , after reading the advertisement to [[his]_{465-the baronet} wife]_{554-his wife} and [daughter]_{1473-daughter} . " As for that , "_{[465-the baronet]} replied [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " [I]_{465-the baronet} can not help wondering that [any one]_{5101-any one} can be silly enough to advertise for [him]_173-robert . [The young man]_{667-the young man} was evidently of a restless , roving disposition — a sort of [Bamfyld Moore Carew]_184-moore of modern life , whom [no attraction could ever keep in one spot]_{5579-no attraction could ever keep in one spot} . "_{[465-the baronet]} Though the advertisement appeared three successive times , [the party at [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{1475-the party at the court} attached very little importance to [Mr. Talboys]_157-george ' disappearance ; and after this one occasion [his]_157-george name was never again mentioned by either [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , or [Alicia]_149-alicia . [Alicia Audley]_149-alicia and [[her]_149-alicia pretty stepmother]_{1478-her pretty stepmother} were by no means [any better friends]_{1479-any better friends} after that quiet evening on which [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} had dined at [the Court]_{373-the court} . " [She]_149-alicia is [a vain , frivolous , heartless little coquette]_{5580-a vain , frivolous , heartless little coquette} , "_[149-alicia] said [Alicia]_149-alicia , addressing [herself]_149-alicia to [her]_149-alicia Newfoundland dog [Caesar]_196-caesar , who was the sole recipient of [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} 's confidences ; " [she]_149-alicia is [a practiced and consummate flirt]_{5581-a practiced and consummate flirt} , [Caesar]_196-caesar ; and not contented with setting [her]_149-alicia yellow ringlets and [her]_149-alicia silly giggle at [half the men in [Essex]_2-essex]_{5582-half the men in essex} , [she]_149-alicia must needs make [that stupid cousin of mine]_{5583-that stupid cousin of mine} dance attendance upon [her]_149-alicia . [I]_196-caesar have n't common patience with [her]_149-alicia . "_[196-caesar] In proof of which last assertion [Miss Alicia Audley]_149-alicia treated [[her]_149-alicia stepmother]_{1483-her stepmother} with such very palpable impertinence that [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} felt [himself]_{146-sir michael} called upon to remonstrate with [[his]_{146-sir michael} only daughter]_{1484-his only daughter} . " [The poor little woman]_{5584-the poor little woman} is very sensitive , [you]_149-alicia know , [Alicia]_149-alicia , "_{[465-the baronet]} [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} said , gravely , " and [she]_{5584-the poor little woman} feels [your]_149-alicia conduct most acutely . "_{[465-the baronet]} " [I]_149-alicia do n't believe it a bit , [papa]_1002-papa , "_[149-alicia] answered [Alicia]_149-alicia , stoutly . " [You]_1002-papa think [her]_{5584-the poor little woman} sensitive because [she]_{5584-the poor little woman} has soft little white hands , and big blue eyes with long lashes , and all manner of affected , fantastical ways , which [[you]_1002-papa stupid men]_{5586-you stupid men} call fascinating . Sensitive ! Why , [I]_149-alicia 've seen [her]_{5584-the poor little woman} do cruel things with those slender white fingers , and laugh at the pain [she]_{5584-the poor little woman} inflicted . [I]_149-alicia 'm very sorry , [papa]_1002-papa , "_[149-alicia] [she]_149-alicia added , softened a little by [[her]_149-alicia father]_{481-her father} 's look of distress ; " though [she]_{5584-the poor little woman} has come between [us]_5588-us , and robbed poor [Alicia]_149-alicia of the love of that dear , generous heart , [I]_149-alicia wish [I]_149-alicia could like [her]_{5584-the poor little woman} for [your]_1002-papa sake ; but [I]_149-alicia ca n't , [I]_149-alicia ca n't , and no more can [Caesar]_196-caesar . [She]_{5584-the poor little woman} came up to [him]_{481-her father} once with [her]_{5584-the poor little woman} red lips apart , and [her]_{5584-the poor little woman} little white teeth glistening between them , and stroked [his]_{481-her father} great head with [her]_{5584-the poor little woman} soft hand ; but if [I]_149-alicia had not had hold of [his]_{481-her father} collar , [he]_{481-her father} would have flown at [her]_{5584-the poor little woman} throat and strangled [her]_{5584-the poor little woman} . [She]_{5584-the poor little woman} may bewitch [every man in [Essex]_2-essex]_{5589-every man in essex} , but [she]_{5584-the poor little woman} 'd never make [friends]_1050-friends with [my]_149-alicia dog . "_[149-alicia] " [Your]_{146-sir michael} dog shall be shot , "_{[146-sir michael]} answered [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} angrily , " if [his]_{209-the newfoundland} vicious temper ever endangers [Lucy]_197-lucy . "_{[146-sir michael]} [The Newfoundland]_{209-the newfoundland} rolled [his]_{209-the newfoundland} eyes slowly round in the direction of [the speaker]_{4906-the speaker} , as if [he]_{209-the newfoundland} understood every word that had been said . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} happened to enter [the room]_{595-the room} at this very moment , and the animal cowered down by the side of [[his]_{209-the newfoundland} mistress]_{1489-his mistress} with a suppressed growl . There was something in the manner of the dog which was , if anything , more indicative of terror than of fury ; incredible as it appears that [Caesar]_196-caesar should be frightened by so fragile a creature as [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy . Amicable as was [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's nature , [she]_{468-my lady} could not live long at [the Court]_{373-the court} without discovering [Alicia]_149-alicia 's dislike to [her]_{468-my lady} . [She]_{468-my lady} never alluded to it but once ; then , shrugging [her]_{468-my lady} graceful white shoulders , [she]_{468-my lady} said , with a sigh : " It seems very hard that [you]_149-alicia can not love [me]_{468-my lady} , [Alicia]_149-alicia , for [I]_{468-my lady} have never been used to make [enemies]_5591-enemies ; but since it seems that it must be so , [I]_{468-my lady} can not help it . If [we]_5592-we can not be [friends]_1050-friends , let [us]_5592-we be neutral . [You]_149-alicia wo n't try to injure [me]_{468-my lady} ? "_{[468-my lady]} " Injure [you]_149-alicia ! "_[149-alicia] exclaimed [Alicia]_149-alicia ; " how should [I]_{468-my lady} injure [you]_149-alicia ? "_{[468-my lady]} " [You]_149-alicia 'll not try to deprive [me]_{468-my lady} of [[your]_149-alicia father]_{914-your father} 's affection ? "_{[468-my lady]} " [I]_{468-my lady} may not be as amiable as [you]_149-alicia are , [[my]_{468-my lady} lady]_{468-my lady} , and [I]_{468-my lady} may not have the same sweet smiles and pretty words for [every stranger [I]_{468-my lady} meet]_{5596-every stranger i meet} , but [I]_{468-my lady} am not capable of a contemptible meanness ; and even if [I]_{468-my lady} were , [I]_{468-my lady} think [you]_149-alicia are so secure of [[my]_{468-my lady} father]_{4643-my father} 's love , that nothing but [your]_149-alicia own act will ever deprive [you]_149-alicia of it . "_{[468-my lady]} " What a severe creature [you]_149-alicia are , [Alicia]_149-alicia ! "_{[468-my lady]} said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , making a little grimace . " [I]_149-alicia suppose [you]_149-alicia mean to infer by all that , that [I]_149-alicia 'm deceitful . Why , [I]_149-alicia ca n't help smiling at [people]_572-people , and speaking prettily to [them]_572-people . [I]_149-alicia know [I]_149-alicia 'm no better than [the rest of [the world]_{519-the world}]_{5599-the rest of the world} ; but [I]_149-alicia ca n't help it if [I]_149-alicia 'm pleasantér . It 's constitutional . "_[149-alicia] [Alicia]_149-alicia having thus entirely shut the door upon all intimacy between [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} and [herself]_{150-lady audley} , and [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} being chiefly occupied in agricultural pursuits and manly sports , which kept [him]_{146-sir michael} away from [home]_479-home , it was perhaps natural that [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , being of an eminently social disposition , should find [herself]_{468-my lady} thrown a good deal upon [her]_{468-my lady} white - eyelashed maid for society . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe was exactly the sort of [a girl who is generally promoted from the post of]_{1495-a girl who is generally promoted from the post of} [lady 's maid to that of companion]_{1496-lady 's maid to that of companion} . [She]_166-phoebe had just sufficient education to enable [her]_166-phoebe to understand [[her]_166-phoebe mistress]_{1497-her mistress} when [Lucy]_197-lucy chose to allow [herself]_197-lucy to run riot in a species of intellectual tarantella , in which [her]_197-lucy tongue went mad to the sound of its own rattle , as [the Spanish dancer]_{1498-the spanish dancer} at the noise of [[his]_{1498-the spanish dancer} castanets]_{1499-his castanets} . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe knew enough of the French language to be able to dip into the yellow - paper - covered novels which [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ordered from [the Burlington Arcade]_{1501-the burlington arcade} , and to discourse with [[her]_{468-my lady} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} upon the questionable subjects of these romances . The likeness which [[the lady]_{673-the lady} 's maid]_{1504-the lady 's maid} bore to [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy was , perhaps , a point of sympathy between [the two women]_{1218-the two women} . It was not to be called a striking likeness ; [a stranger]_{1506-a stranger} might have seen [them]_{1218-the two women} both together , and yet have failed to remark it . But there were certain dim and shadowy lights in which , meeting [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe gliding softly through [the dark oak passages of [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{1507-the dark oak passages of the court} , or under the shrouded avenues in [the garden]_{452-the garden} , [you]_1510-you might have easily mistaken [her]_166-phoebe for [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . Sharp October winds were sweeping the leaves from the limes in [the long avenue]_{740-the long avenue} , and driving them in withered heaps with a ghostly rustling noise along [the dry gravel walks]_{1513-the dry gravel walks} . [The old well]_{742-the old well} must have been half choked up with the leaves that drifted about it , and whirled in eddying circles into its black , broken mouth . On the still bosom of the fish - pond the same withered leaves slowly rotted away , mixing themselves with the tangled weeds that discolored the surface of [the water]_{403-the water} . All [the gardeners]_{1516-the gardeners} [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} could employ could not keep the impress of autumn 's destroying hand from [the grounds about [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{1517-the grounds about the court} . " How [I]_{468-my lady} hate this desolate month ! "_{[468-my lady]} [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} said , as [she]_{468-my lady} walked about [the garden]_{452-the garden} , shivering beneath [her]_{468-my lady} sable mantle . " Every thing dropping to ruin and decay , and the cold flicker of the sun lighting up the ugliness of [the earth]_{5601-the earth} , as the glare of gas - lamps lights the wrinkles of [an old woman]_{5602-an old woman} . Shall [I]_{468-my lady} ever grow old , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe ? Will [my]_{468-my lady} hair ever drop off as the leaves are falling from those trees , and leave [me]_{468-my lady} wan and bare like them ? What is to become of [me]_{468-my lady} when [I]_{468-my lady} grow old ? "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} shivered at the thought of this more than [she]_{468-my lady} had done at the cold , wintry breeze , and muffling [herself]_{468-my lady} closely in [her]_{468-my lady} fur , walked so fast that [[her]_{468-my lady} maid]_{761-her maid} had some difficulty in keeping up with [her]_{468-my lady} . " Do [you]_166-phoebe remember , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said , presently , relaxing [her]_{468-my lady} pace , " do [you]_166-phoebe remember that French story [we]_5603-we read — the story of [a beautiful woman who had committed some crime]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} — [I]_{468-my lady} forget what — in the zenith of [her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} power and loveliness , when all [Paris]_52-paris drank to [her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} every night , and when [the people]_{5605-the people} ran away from [the carriage of [the king]_{5607-the king}]_{5606-the carriage of the king} to flock about [hers]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} , and get a peep at [her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} face ? Do [you]_166-phoebe remember how [she]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} kept the secret of what [she]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} had done for nearly half a century , spending [her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} old age in [[her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} family chateau]_{5608-her family chateau} , beloved and honored by all [the province]_{5609-the province} as [an uncanonized saint]_{5610-an uncanonized saint} and benefactress to [the poor]_{520-the poor} ; and how , when [her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} hair was white , and [her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} eyes almost blind with age , the secret was revealed through one of those strange accidents by which such secrets always are revealed in romances , and [she]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} was tried , found guilty , and condemned to be burned alive ? [The king who had worn [her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} colors]_{5612-the king who had worn her colors} was dead and gone ; [the court of which [she]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} had been a star]_{5613-the court of which she had been a star} had passed away ; [powerful functionaries]_{5614-powerful functionaries} and [great magistrates]_{5615-great magistrates} , who might perhaps have helped [her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} , were moldering in the graves ; [brave young cavaliers]_{5616-brave young cavaliers} , who would have died for [her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} , had fallen upon [distant battle - fields]_{5617-distant battle - fields} ; [she]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} had lived to see the age to which [she]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} had belonged fade like a dream ; and [she]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} went to the stake , followed by only [a few ignorant country people , who forgot all [her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} bounties]_{5618-a few ignorant country people , who forgot all her bounties} , and hooted at [her]_{5604-a beautiful woman who had committed some crime} for [a wicked sorceress]_{5619-a wicked sorceress} . "_{[468-my lady]} " [I]_166-phoebe do n't care for such dismal stories , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[166-phoebe] said [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe with a shudder . " [One]_5487-one has no need to read books to give one the horrors in [this dull place]_{5622-this dull place} . "_[166-phoebe] [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} shrugged [her]_{150-lady audley} shoulders and laughed at [[her]_{150-lady audley} maid]_{761-her maid} 's candor . " It is [a dull place]_{5623-a dull place} , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said , " though it does n't do to say so to [[my]_{150-lady audley} dear old husband]_{5624-my dear old husband} . Though [I]_{150-lady audley} am [the wife of one of [the most influential men in [the county]_{379-the county}]_{5626-the most influential men in the county}]_{5625-the wife of one of the most influential men in the county} , [I]_{150-lady audley} do n't know that [I]_{150-lady audley} was n't nearly as well off at [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} 's ; and yet it 's something to wear sables that cost sixty guineas , and have a thousand pounds spent on the decoration of [one 's apartments]_{5628-one 's apartments} . "_{[150-lady audley]} Treated as [a companion]_{1523-a companion} by [[her]_{150-lady audley} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} , in the receipt of the most liberal wages , and with perquisites such as [perhaps [lady]_1526-lady 's maid]_{1525-perhaps lady 's maid} never had before , it was strange that [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe should wish to leave [her]_166-phoebe situation ; but it was not the less a fact that [she]_166-phoebe was anxious to exchange all the advantages of [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} for the very unpromising prospect which awaited [her]_166-phoebe as [the wife of [[her]_166-phoebe Cousin]_{790-her cousin} [Luke]_167-luke]_{1527-the wife of her cousin luke} . [The young man]_{667-the young man} had contrived in some manner to associate [himself]_{667-the young man} with the improved fortunes of [[his]_{667-the young man} sweetheart]_{1530-his sweetheart} . [He]_{667-the young man} had never allowed [Phoebe]_166-phoebe any peace till [she]_166-phoebe had obtained for [him]_{667-the young man} , by the aid of [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's interference , a situation as undergroom of [the Court]_{373-the court} . [He]_{667-the young man} never rode out with either [Alicia]_149-alicia or [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} ; but on one of the few occasions upon which [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} mounted the pretty little gray thoroughbred reserved for [her]_166-phoebe use , [he]_{667-the young man} contrived to attend [her]_166-phoebe in [her]_166-phoebe ride . [He]_{667-the young man} saw enough , in the very first half hour [they]_1534-they were out , to discover that , graceful as [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy might look in [her]_197-lucy long blue cloth habit , [she]_197-lucy was [a timid horsewoman]_{1535-a timid horsewoman} , and utterly unable to manage the animal [she]_197-lucy rode . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} remonstrated with [[her]_{150-lady audley} maid]_{761-her maid} upon [her]_{150-lady audley} folly in wishing to marry [the uncouth groom]_{1537-the uncouth groom} . [The two women]_{1218-the two women} were seated together over the fire in [[[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's dressing - room]_{1137-my lady 's dressing - room} , the gray sky closing in upon the October afternoon , and the black tracery of ivy darkening the casement windows . " [You]_{753-the girl} surely are not in love with [the awkward , ugly creature]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} are [you]_{753-the girl} , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe ? "_{[468-my lady]} asked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} sharply . [The girl]_{753-the girl} was sitting on a low stool at [her]_{753-the girl} mistress feet . [She]_{753-the girl} did not answer [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's question immediately , but sat for some time looking vacantly into the red abyss in the hollow fire . Presently [she]_{753-the girl} said , rather as if [she]_{753-the girl} had been thinking aloud than answering [Lucy]_197-lucy 's question : " [I]_{753-the girl} do n't think [I]_{753-the girl} can love [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} . [We]_5630-we have been together from [children]_{5631-children} , and [I]_{753-the girl} promised , when [I]_{753-the girl} was little better than fifteen , that [I]_{753-the girl} 'd be [[his]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} wife]_{554-his wife} . [I]_{753-the girl} dare n't break that promise now . There have been times when [I]_{753-the girl} 've made up the very sentence [I]_{753-the girl} meant to say to [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} , telling [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} that [I]_{753-the girl} could n't keep [my]_{753-the girl} faith with [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} ; but the words have died upon [my]_{753-the girl} lips , and [I]_{753-the girl} 've sat looking at [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} , with a choking sensation , in [my]_{753-the girl} throat that would n't let [me]_{753-the girl} speak . [I]_{753-the girl} dare n't refuse to marry [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} . [I]_{753-the girl} 've often watched and watched [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} , as [he]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} has sat slicing away at a hedge - stake with [his]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} great clasp - knife , till [I]_{753-the girl} have thought that it is just [such men as [he]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} who have decoyed [[their]_{5633-such men as he who have decoyed their sweethearts into lonely places , and murdered them for being false to their word} sweethearts]_{5634-their sweethearts} into [lonely places]_{5635-lonely places} , and murdered [them]_{5634-their sweethearts} for being false to [their]_{5633-such men as he who have decoyed their sweethearts into lonely places , and murdered them for being false to their word} word]_{5633-such men as he who have decoyed their sweethearts into lonely places , and murdered them for being false to their word} . When [he]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} was [a boy]_{472-a boy} [he]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} was always violent and revengeful . [I]_{753-the girl} saw [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} once take up that very knife in a quarrel with [[his]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} mother]_{533-his mother} . [I]_{753-the girl} tell [you]_197-lucy , [[my]_{753-the girl} lady]_{468-my lady} , [I]_{753-the girl} must marry [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} . "_{[753-the girl]} " [[You]_197-lucy silly girl]_{5639-you silly girl} , [you]_197-lucy shall do nothing of the kind ! "_[197-lucy] answered [Lucy]_197-lucy . " [You]_197-lucy think [he]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} 'll murder [you]_197-lucy , do [you]_197-lucy ? Do [you]_197-lucy think , then , if murder is in [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} , [you]_197-lucy would be any safer as [[his]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} wife]_{554-his wife} ? If [you]_197-lucy thwarted [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} , or made [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} jealous ; if [he]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} wanted to marry [another woman]_{5641-another woman} , or to get hold of some poor , pitiful bit of money of [yours]_197-lucy , could n't [he]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} murder [you]_197-lucy then ? [I]_166-phoebe tell [you]_197-lucy [you]_197-lucy sha'n't marry [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe . In the first place [I]_166-phoebe hate [the man]_{634-the man} ; and , in the next place [I]_166-phoebe ca n't afford to part with [you]_197-lucy . [We]_5643-we 'll give [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} a few pounds and send [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} about [his]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} business . "_[166-phoebe] [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe caught [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's hand in [hers]_166-phoebe , and clasped them convulsively . " [[My]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} — [[my]_166-phoebe good , kind mistress]_{5645-my good , kind mistress} ! "_[166-phoebe] [she]_166-phoebe cried , vehemently , " do n't try to thwart [me]_166-phoebe in this — don't ask [me]_166-phoebe to thwart [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} . [I]_166-phoebe tell [you]_197-lucy [I]_166-phoebe must marry [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} . [You]_197-lucy do n't know what [he]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} is . It will be [my]_166-phoebe ruin , and the ruin of others , if [I]_166-phoebe break [my]_166-phoebe word . [I]_166-phoebe must marry [him]_{5629-the awkward , ugly creature} ! "_[166-phoebe] " Very well , then , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_{[1497-her mistress]} answered [[her]_166-phoebe mistress]_{1497-her mistress} , " [I]_{1497-her mistress} ca n't oppose [you]_166-phoebe . There must be some secret at the bottom of all this . "_{[1497-her mistress]} " There is , [[my]_{753-the girl} lady]_{468-my lady} , "_{[753-the girl]} said [the girl]_{753-the girl} , with [her]_{753-the girl} face turned away from [Lucy]_197-lucy . " [I]_{753-the girl} shall be very sorry to lose [you]_166-phoebe ; but [I]_{753-the girl} have promised to stand [[your]_166-phoebe friend]_{5065-your friend} in all things . What does [[your]_166-phoebe cousin]_{5648-your cousin} mean to do for a living when [you]_166-phoebe are married ? "_{[753-the girl]} " [He]_{5648-your cousin} would like to take [a public house]_{5649-a public house} . "_{[1497-her mistress]} " Then [he]_{5648-your cousin} shall take [a public house]_{5649-a public house} , and the sooner [he]_{5648-your cousin} drinks [himself]_{5648-your cousin} to death the better . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} dines at [a bachelor]_{5651-a bachelor} 's party at [[Major Margrave]_{210-major margrave} 's]_{5652-major margrave 's} this evening , and [[my]_{753-the girl} step - daughter]_{5653-my step - daughter} is away with [[her]_{5653-my step - daughter} friends]_{5654-her friends} at [the Grange]_{5655-the grange} . [You]_166-phoebe can bring [[your]_166-phoebe cousin]_{5648-your cousin} into [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} after dinner , and [I]_{753-the girl} 'll tell [him]_{5648-your cousin} what [I]_{753-the girl} mean to do for [him]_{5648-your cousin} . "_{[753-the girl]} " [You]_166-phoebe are very good , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[166-phoebe] [Phoebe]_166-phoebe answered with a sigh . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} sat in the glow of firelight and wax candles in [the luxurious drawing - room]_{1547-the luxurious drawing - room} ; the amber damask cushions of the sofa contrasting with [her]_{150-lady audley} dark violet velvet dress , and [her]_{150-lady audley} rippling hair falling about [her]_{150-lady audley} neck in a golden haze . Everywhere around [her]_{150-lady audley} were the evidences of wealth and splendor ; while in strange contrast to all this , and to [her]_{150-lady audley} own beauty ; [the awkward groom]_{1548-the awkward groom} stood rubbing [his]_{1548-the awkward groom} bullet head as [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} explained to [him]_{1548-the awkward groom} what [she]_{468-my lady} intended to do for [[her]_{468-my lady} confidential maid]_{1550-her confidential maid} . [Lucy]_197-lucy 's promises were very liberal , and [she]_197-lucy had expected that , uncouth as [the man]_{634-the man} was , [he]_{634-the man} would , in [his]_{634-the man} own rough manner , have expressed [his]_{634-the man} gratitude . To [her]_197-lucy surprise [he]_{634-the man} stood staring at the floor without uttering a word in answer to [her]_197-lucy offer . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe was standing close to [his]_{634-the man} elbow , and seemed distressed at [the man]_{634-the man} 's rudeness . " Tell [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} how thankful [you]_{634-the man} are , [Luke]_167-luke , "_[166-phoebe] [she]_166-phoebe said . " But [I]_166-phoebe 'm not so over and above thankful , "_[166-phoebe] answered [[her]_197-lucy lover]_{785-her lover} , savagely . " Fifty pound ai n't much to start a public . [You]_166-phoebe 'll make it a hundred , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} ? "_[166-phoebe] " [I]_{150-lady audley} shall do nothing of the kind , "_{[150-lady audley]} said [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , [her]_{150-lady audley} clear blue eyes flashing with indignation , " and [I]_{150-lady audley} wonder at [your]_{634-the man} impertinence in asking it . "_{[150-lady audley]} " Oh , yes , [you]_166-phoebe will , though , "_[167-luke] answered [Luke]_167-luke , with quiet insolence that had a hidden meaning . " [You]_166-phoebe 'll make it a hundred , [[my]_167-luke lady]_{468-my lady} . "_[167-luke] [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} rose from [her]_{150-lady audley} seat , looked [the man]_{634-the man} steadfastly in the face till [his]_{634-the man} determined gaze sunk under [hers]_{150-lady audley} ; then walking straight up to [[her]_{150-lady audley} maid]_{761-her maid} , [she]_{150-lady audley} said in a high , piercing voice , peculiar to [her]_{150-lady audley} in moments of intense agitation : " [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , [you]_166-phoebe have told [this man]_{4719-this man} ! "_{[150-lady audley]} [The girl]_{753-the girl} fell on [her]_{753-the girl} knees at [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's feet . " Oh , forgive [me]_{150-lady audley} , forgive [me]_{150-lady audley} ! "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} cried . " [He]_{4719-this man} forced it from [me]_{150-lady audley} , or [I]_{150-lady audley} would never , never have told ! "_{[150-lady audley]} Upon a lowering morning late in November , with the yellow fog low upon [the flat meadows]_{1558-the flat meadows} , and the blinded cattle groping [their]_1559-their way through the dim obscurity , and blundering stupidly against black and leafless hedges , or stumbling into ditches , undistinguishable in the hazy atmosphere ; with [the village church]_{1560-the village church} looming brown and dingy through the uncertain light ; with every winding path and cottage door , every gable end and gray old chimney , [every village child]_{1561-every village child} and straggling cur seeming strange and weird of aspect in the semi - darkness , [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe and [[her]_166-phoebe Cousin]_{790-her cousin} [Luke]_167-luke made [their]_1563-their way through [the churchyard of Audley]_{1564-the churchyard of audley} , and presented [themselves]_1563-their before [a shivering curate , whose surplice hung in damp folds , soddened by the morning mist]_{1565-a shivering curate , whose surplice hung in damp folds , soddened by the morning mist} , and whose temper was not improved by [his]_{1565-a shivering curate , whose surplice hung in damp folds , soddened by the morning mist} having waited five minutes for [the bride]_{1566-the bride} and [bridegroom]_{1567-bridegroom} . [Luke Marks]_167-luke , dressed in [his]_167-luke ill - fitting Sunday clothes , looked by no means handsomer than in [his]_167-luke every - day apparel ; but [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , arrayed in a rustling silk of delicate gray , that had been worn about half a dozen times by [[her]_166-phoebe mistress]_{1497-her mistress} , looked , as [the few spectators of the ceremony]_{1569-the few spectators of the ceremony} remarked , " quite [the lady]_{673-the lady} . "_{[1570-a very dim and shadowy lady , vague of outline , and faint of coloring , with eyes , hair , complexion and dress all melting into such pale and uncertain shades]} [A very dim and shadowy lady , vague of outline , and faint of coloring , with eyes , hair , complexion and dress all melting into such pale and uncertain shades]_{1570-a very dim and shadowy lady , vague of outline , and faint of coloring , with eyes , hair , complexion and dress all melting into such pale and uncertain shades} that , in the obscure light of the foggy November morning [a superstitious stranger]_{1571-a superstitious stranger} might have mistaken [the bride]_{1566-the bride} for the ghost of [some other bride]_{1573-some other bride} , dead and buried in [the vault below [the church]_{535-the church}]_{1574-the vault below the church} . [Mr. Luke Marks]_167-luke , [the hero of the occasion]_{1576-the hero of the occasion} , thought very little of all this . [He]_167-luke had secured [the wife of]_{1577-the wife of} [his]_167-luke choice , and the object of [his]_167-luke life - long ambition — [a public house]_{5649-a public house} . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} had provided the seventy - five pounds necessary for the purchase of the good - will and fixtures , with the stock of ales and spirits , of [a small inn in [the center of [a lonely little village]_{1582-a lonely little village}]_{1581-the center of a lonely little village}]_{1580-a small inn in the center of a lonely little village} , perched on [the summit of [a hill]_{1584-a hill}]_{1583-the summit of a hill} , and called [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} . [It]_1585-it was not [a very pretty house to look at]_{1586-a very pretty house to look at} ; [it]_1585-it had something of a tumble - down , weather - beaten appearance , standing , as [it]_1585-it did , upon high ground , sheltered only by four or five bare and overgrown poplars , that had shot up too rapidly for [their]_1587-their strength , and had a blighted , forlorn look in consequence . The wind had had its own way with [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn} , and had sometimes made cruel use of [its]_1585-it power . It was the wind that battered and bent the low , thatched roofs of [outhouses]_{1588-outhouses} and [stables]_1589-stables , till they hung over and lurched forward , as a slouched hat hangs over the low forehead of [some village ruffian]_{1590-some village ruffian} ; it was the wind that shook and rattled the wooden shutters before the narrow casements , till they hung broken and dilapidated upon their rusty hinges ; it was the wind that overthrew [the pigeon house]_{1591-the pigeon house} , and broke the vane that had been imprudently set up to tell the movements of its mightiness ; it was the wind that made light of any little bit of wooden trellis - work , or creeping plant , or tiny balcony , or any modest decoration whatsoever , and tore and scattered it in its scornful fury ; it was the wind that left mossy secretions on the discolored surface of the plaster walls ; it was the wind , in short , that shattered , and ruined , and rent , and trampled upon the tottering pile of [buildings]_{1592-buildings} , and then flew shrieking off , to riot and glory in its destroying strength . [The dispirited proprietor]_{1593-the dispirited proprietor} grew tired of [his]_{1593-the dispirited proprietor} long struggle with [this mighty enemy]_{1594-this mighty enemy} ; so the wind was left to work [its]_1585-it own will , and [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn} fell slowly to decay . But for all that [it]_1585-it suffered without , it was not the less prosperous within doors . [Sturdy drovers]_{1596-sturdy drovers} stopped to drink at [the little bar]_{1597-the little bar} ; [well - to - do farmers]_{1598-well - to - do farmers} spent [their]_{1598-well - to - do farmers} evenings and talked politics in [the low , wainscoted parlor]_{1599-the low , wainscoted parlor} , while [their]_{1598-well - to - do farmers} horses munched some suspicious mixture of moldy hay and tolerable beans in [the tumble - down stables]_{1600-the tumble - down stables} . Sometimes even [the members of the Audley hunt]_{1601-the members of the audley hunt} stopped to drink and bait [their]_{1601-the members of the audley hunt} horses at [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn} ; while , on one grand and never - to - be - forgotten occasion , a dinner had been ordered by [the master of the hounds]_{1603-the master of the hounds} for [some thirty gentlemen]_{1604-some thirty gentlemen} , and [the proprietor]_{1605-the proprietor} driven nearly mad by the importance of the demand . So [Luke Marks]_167-luke , who was by no means troubled with an eye for the beautiful , thought [himself]_167-luke very fortunate in becoming [the landlord of [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn}]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} , [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} . [A chaise - cart]_{1607-a chaise - cart} was waiting in the fog to convey [the bride]_{1566-the bride} and [bridegroom]_{1567-bridegroom} to [[their]_1610-their new home]_{1611-their new home} ; and [a few of [the villagers]_{1613-the villagers} , who had known [Phoebe]_166-phoebe from [a child]_{4759-a child}]_{1612-a few of the villagers , who had known phoebe from a child} , were lingering around [the churchyard]_{898-the churchyard} gate to bid [her]_166-phoebe good - by . [Her]_166-phoebe pale eyes were still paler from the tears [she]_166-phoebe had shed , and the red rims which surrounded them . [The bridegroom]_{1616-the bridegroom} was annoyed at this exhibition of emotion . " What are [you]_166-phoebe blubbering for , [lass]_4779-lass ? "_{[1567-bridegroom]} [he]_{1567-bridegroom} said , fiercely . " If [you]_166-phoebe did n't want to marry [me]_{1567-bridegroom} [you]_166-phoebe should have told [me]_{1567-bridegroom} so . [I]_{1567-bridegroom} ai n't going to murder [you]_166-phoebe , am [I]_{1567-bridegroom} ? "_{[1567-bridegroom]} [[The lady]_{673-the lady} 's maid]_{1504-the lady 's maid} shivered as [he]_{1567-bridegroom} spoke to [her]_{1504-the lady 's maid} , and dragged [her]_{1504-the lady 's maid} little silk mantle closely around [her]_{1504-the lady 's maid} . " [You]_{1504-the lady 's maid} 're cold in all this here finery , "_[167-luke] said [Luke]_167-luke , staring at [her]_{1504-the lady 's maid} costly dress with no expression of good - will . " Why ca n't [women]_4642-women dress according to [their]_4642-women station ? [You]_{1504-the lady 's maid} wo n't have no silk gownds out of [my]_{1567-bridegroom} pocket , [I]_{1567-bridegroom} can tell [you]_{1504-the lady 's maid} . "_{[1567-bridegroom]} [He]_{1567-bridegroom} lifted [the shivering girl]_{1619-the shivering girl} into the chaise , wrapped a rough great - coat about [her]_{1619-the shivering girl} , and drove off through the yellow fog , followed by a feeble cheer from [two or three urchins clustered around the gate]_{1620-two or three urchins clustered around the gate} . [A new maid]_{1621-a new maid} was brought from [London]_3-london to replace [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe about [the person of [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady}]_{1622-the person of my lady} — [a very showy damsel , who wore a black satin gown , and rose - colored ribbons in [her]_{468-my lady} cap , and complained bitterly of the dullness of [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{1624-a very showy damsel , who wore a black satin gown , and rose - colored ribbons in her cap , and complained bitterly of the dullness of audley court} . But [Christmas]_{211-christmas} brought [visitors]_400-visitors to [the rambling old mansion]_{1626-the rambling old mansion} . [A country squire]_{1627-a country squire} and [[his]_{1627-a country squire} fat wife]_{1628-his fat wife} occupied [the tapestried chamber]_{1629-the tapestried chamber} ; [merry girls]_{1630-merry girls} scampered up and down [the long passages]_{1631-the long passages} , and [young men]_{1632-young men} stared out of the latticed windows , watching for southerly winds and cloudy skies ; there was not an empty stall in [the roomy old stables]_{1633-the roomy old stables} ; an extempore forge had been set up in [the yard]_{1634-the yard} for the shoeing of [hunters]_1635-hunters ; yelping dogs made [the place]_{385-the place} noisy with [their]_1637-their perpetual clamor ; [strange servants]_{1638-strange servants} herded together on [the garret story]_{1639-the garret story} ; and every little casement hidden away under some pointed gable , and every dormer window in the quaint old roof , glimmered upon the winter 's night with its separate taper , till , coming suddenly upon [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} , [the benighted stranger , misled by the light , and noise , and bustle of]_{1640-the benighted stranger , misled by the light , and noise , and bustle of} [the place]_{385-the place} , might have easily fallen into [young Marlowe]_{212-young marlowe} 's error , and have mistaken [the hospitable mansion]_{1642-the hospitable mansion} for [a good , old - fashioned inn]_{1643-a good , old - fashioned inn} , such as have faded from [this earth]_{1644-this earth} since [the last mail coach and prancing tits]_{1645-the last mail coach and prancing tits} took [their]_{1645-the last mail coach and prancing tits} last melancholy journey to [the knacker 's yard]_{1646-the knacker 's yard} . Among other visitors [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert came down to [Essex]_2-essex for the hunting season , with half a dozen French novels , a case of cigars , and three pounds of Turkish tobacco in [his]_173-robert portmanteau . [The honest young country squires]_{1647-the honest young country squires} , who talked all breakfast time of Flying Dutchman fillies and Voltigeur colts ; of glorious runs of seven hours ' hard riding over [three counties]_{1648-three counties} , and a midnight homeward ride of thirty miles upon [their]_{1647-the honest young country squires} covert hacks ; and who ran away from the well - spread table with [their]_{1647-the honest young country squires} mouths full of cold sirloin , to look at that off pastern , or that sprained forearm , or the colt that had just come back from [the veterinary surgeon]_{1649-the veterinary surgeon} 's , set down [Robert Audley]_173-robert , dawdling over a slice of bread and marmalade , as [a person utterly unworthy of any remark whatsoever]_{1650-a person utterly unworthy of any remark whatsoever} . [The young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} had brought a couple of dogs with [him]_173-robert ; and [the country gentleman who gave fifty pounds for a pointer]_{1652-the country gentleman who gave fifty pounds for a pointer} ; and traveled a couple of hundred miles to look at a leash of setters before [he]_173-robert struck a bargain , laughed aloud at [the two miserable curs]_{1653-the two miserable curs} , one of which had followed [Robert Audley]_173-robert through [Chancery Lane]_{51-chancery lane} , and half [the length of [Holborn]_55-holborn]_{1654-the length of holborn} ; while [[his]_173-robert companion]_{466-his companion} had been taken by [the barrister vi et armis]_{1656-the barrister vi et armis} from [a coster - monger who was ill - using [him]_173-robert]_{1657-a coster - monger who was ill - using him} . And as [Robert]_173-robert furthermore insisted on having these two deplorable animals under [his]_173-robert easy - chair in [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} , much to the annoyance of [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , who , as [we]_1660-we know , hated all dogs , [the visitors at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{1661-the visitors at audley court} looked upon [[the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's nephew]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew} as [an inoffensive species of maniac]_{1664-an inoffensive species of maniac} . During other visits to [the Court]_{373-the court} [Robert Audley]_173-robert had made a feeble show of joining in the sports of the merry assembly . [He]_173-robert had jogged across half [a dozen ploughed fields]_{1666-a dozen ploughed fields} on [a quiet gray pony of [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's]_{1667-a quiet gray pony of sir michael 's} , and drawing up breathless and panting at the door of [some farm - house]_{1668-some farm - house} , had expressed [his]_173-robert intention of following the hounds no further that morning . [He]_173-robert had even gone so far as to put on , with great labor , a pair of skates , with a view to taking a turn on the frozen surface of [the fishpond]_{1669-the fishpond} , and had fallen ignominously at the first attempt , lying placidly extended on the flat of [his]_173-robert back until such time as [the bystanders]_{1670-the bystanders} should think fit to pick [him]_173-robert up . [He]_173-robert had occupied the back seat in [a dog - cart]_{1235-a dog - cart} during a pleasant morning drive , vehemently protesting against being taken up [hill]_1672-hill , and requiring [the vehicle]_{1673-the vehicle} to be stopped every ten minutes in order to readjust the cushions . But this year [he]_173-robert showed no inclination for any of these outdoor amusements , and [he]_173-robert spent [his]_173-robert time entirely in lounging in [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} , and making [himself]_173-robert agreeable , after [his]_173-robert own lazy fashion , to [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} and [Alicia]_149-alicia . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} received [[her]_{150-lady audley} nephew]_{5188-her nephew} 's attentions in that graceful half - childish fashion which [[her]_{150-lady audley} admirers]_{1677-her admirers} found so charming ; but [Alicia]_149-alicia was indignant at the change in [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} 's conduct . " [You]_173-robert were always [a poor , spiritless fellow]_{5666-a poor , spiritless fellow} , [Bob]_174-bob , "_{[5100-the young lady]} said [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} , contemptuously , as [she]_{5100-the young lady} bounced into [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} in [her]_{5100-the young lady} riding - habit , after a hunting breakfast , from which [Robert]_173-robert had absented [himself]_173-robert , preferring a cup of tea in [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's boudoir ; " but this year [I]_{5100-the young lady} do n't know what has come to [you]_173-robert . [You]_173-robert are good for nothing but to hold a skein of silk or read [Tennyson]_213-tennyson to [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_{[5100-the young lady]} " [[My]_{667-the young man} dear]_{4626-my dear} , hasty , impetuous [Alicia]_149-alicia , do n't be violent , "_{[667-the young man]} said [the young man]_{667-the young man} imploringly . " A conclusion is n't a five - barred gate ; and [you]_173-robert need n't give [your]_173-robert judgment its head , as [you]_173-robert give [your]_173-robert mare Atalanta [hers]_5668-hers , when [you]_173-robert 're flying across country at the heels of an unfortunate fox . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} interests [me]_{667-the young man} , and [[my]_{667-the young man} uncle 's county friends]_{5669-my uncle 's county friends} do not . Is that a sufficient answer , [Alicia]_149-alicia ? "_{[667-the young man]} [Miss Audley]_149-alicia gave [her]_149-alicia head a little scornful toss . " It 's as good an answer as [I]_149-alicia shall ever get from , [you]_{667-the young man} , [Bob]_174-bob , "_[149-alicia] [she]_149-alicia said , impatiently ; " but pray amuse [yourself]_{667-the young man} in [your]_{667-the young man} own way ; loll in an easy - chair all day , with those two absurd dogs asleep on [your]_{667-the young man} knees ; spoil [[my]_149-alicia lady]_{468-my lady} 's window - curtains with [your]_{667-the young man} cigars and annoy [everybody in [the house]_{388-the house}]_{5671-everybody in the house} with [your]_{667-the young man} stupid , inanimate countenance . "_[149-alicia] [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert opened [his]_173-robert handsome gray eyes to [their]_1683-their widest extent at this tirade , and looked helplessly at [Miss Alicia]_149-alicia . [The young lady]_{5100-the young lady} was walking up and down [the room]_{595-the room} , slashing the skirt of [her]_{5100-the young lady} habit with [her]_{5100-the young lady} riding - whip . [Her]_{5100-the young lady} eyes sparkled with an angry flash , and a crimson glow burned under [her]_{5100-the young lady} clear brown skin . [The young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} knew very well , by these diagnostics , that [[his]_{5094-the young barrister} cousin]_{786-his cousin} was in a passion . " Yes , "_{[5100-the young lady]} [she]_{5100-the young lady} repeated , " [your]_{667-the young man} stupid , inanimate countenance . Do [you]_{667-the young man} know , [Robert Audley]_173-robert , that with all [your]_{667-the young man} mock amiability , [you]_{667-the young man} are brimful of conceit and superciliousness . [You]_{667-the young man} look down upon [our]_5673-our amusements ; [you]_{667-the young man} lift up [your]_{667-the young man} eyebrows , and shrug [your]_{667-the young man} shoulders , and throw [yourself]_{667-the young man} back in [your]_{667-the young man} chair , and wash [your]_{667-the young man} hands of [us]_5673-our and [our]_5673-our pleasures . [You]_{667-the young man} are [a selfish , cold - hearted Sybarite]_{5674-a selfish , cold - hearted sybarite} — "_{[5100-the young lady]} " [Alicia]_149-alicia ! Good — gracious — [me]_{5100-the young lady} ! "_{[5100-the young lady]} The morning paper dropped out of [his]_1688-his hands , and [he]_1688-his sat feebly staring at [[his]_1688-his assailant]_{1689-his assailant} . " Yes , selfish , [Robert Audley]_173-robert ! [You]_{667-the young man} take [home]_479-home half - starved dogs , because [you]_{667-the young man} like half - starved dogs . [You]_{667-the young man} stoop down , and pat the head of [every good - for - nothing cur in [the village street]_{5164-the village street}]_{5676-every good - for - nothing cur in the village street} , because [you]_{667-the young man} like [good - for - nothing curs]_{5678-good - for - nothing curs} . [You]_{667-the young man} notice [little children]_{5679-little children} , and give [them]_{5679-little children} halfpence , because it amuses [you]_{667-the young man} to do so . But [you]_{667-the young man} lift [your]_{667-the young man} eyebrows a quarter of a yard when poor [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} tells a stupid story , and stare [the poor fellow]_{5680-the poor fellow} out of countenance with [your]_{667-the young man} lazy insolence . As to [your]_{667-the young man} amiability , [you]_{667-the young man} would let [a man]_{445-a man} hit [you]_{667-the young man} , and say ' Thank [you]_{667-the young man} ' for the blow , rather than take the trouble to hit [him]_{445-a man} again ; but [you]_{667-the young man} would n't go half a mile out of [your]_{667-the young man} way to serve [[your]_{667-the young man} dearest friend]_{5682-your dearest friend} . [Sir Harry]_{214-sir harry towers} is worth twenty of [you]_{667-the young man} , though [he]_{214-sir harry towers} did write to ask if [[my]_1688-his m - a - i - r [Atalanta]_45-atalanta]_{5683-my m - a - i - r atalanta} had recovered from the sprain . [He]_{214-sir harry towers} ca n't spell , or lift [his]_{214-sir harry towers} eyebrows to the roots of [his]_{214-sir harry towers} hair ; but [he]_{214-sir harry towers} would go through fire and water for [the girl [he]_{214-sir harry towers} loves]_{5684-the girl he loves} ; while [you]_{667-the young man} — "_[1688-his] At this very point , when [Robert]_173-robert was most prepared to encounter [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} 's violence , and when [Miss Alicia]_149-alicia seemed about to make [her]_149-alicia strongest attack , [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} broke down altogether , and burst into tears . [Robert]_173-robert sprang from [his]_173-robert easy - chair , upsetting [his]_173-robert dogs on the carpet . " [Alicia]_149-alicia , [[my]_173-robert darling]_{4709-my darling} , what is it ? "_[173-robert] " It's — it's — it 's the feather of [my]_{786-his cousin} hat that got into [my]_{786-his cousin} eyes , "_{[786-his cousin]} sobbed [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} ; and before [he]_173-robert could investigate the truth of this assertion [Alicia]_149-alicia had darted out of [the room]_{595-the room} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert was preparing to follow [her]_149-alicia , when [he]_173-robert heard [her]_149-alicia voice in [the court - yard below]_{1694-the court - yard below} , amidst the tramping of horses and the clamor of [visitors]_400-visitors , dogs , and [grooms]_4978-grooms . [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} , [the most aristocratic young sportsman in [the neighborhood]_{504-the neighborhood}]_{1697-the most aristocratic young sportsman in the neighborhood} , had just taken [her]_149-alicia little foot in [his]_{214-sir harry towers} hand as [she]_149-alicia sprung into [her]_149-alicia saddle . " Good Heaven ! "_[173-robert] exclaimed [Robert]_173-robert , as [he]_173-robert watched the merry party of equestrians until [they]_1699-they disappeared under the archway . " What does all this mean ? How charmingly [she]_149-alicia sits [her]_149-alicia horse ! What [a pretty figure]_{5686-a pretty figure} , too , and [a fine , candid , brown , rosy face]_{5687-a fine , candid , brown , rosy face} : but to fly at [a fellow like that , without the least provocation]_{5688-a fellow like that , without the least provocation} ! That 's the consequence of letting [a girl]_{750-a girl} follow the hounds . [She]_149-alicia learns to look at everything in life as [she]_149-alicia does at six feet of timber or a sunk fence ; [she]_149-alicia goes through [the world]_{519-the world} as [she]_149-alicia goes across [country]_5691-country — straight ahead , and over everything . Such [a nice girl]_{5692-a nice girl} as [she]_149-alicia might have been , too , if [she]_149-alicia 'd been brought up in [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} ! If ever [I]_173-robert marry , and have [daughters]_{622-daughters} ( which remote contingency may [Heaven]_201-heaven forefend ! ) [they]_{622-daughters} shall be educated in [Paper Buildings]_{5694-paper buildings} , take [their]_{622-daughters} sole exercise in [the Temple Gardens]_{5695-the temple gardens} , and [they]_{622-daughters} shall never go beyond the gates till [they]_{622-daughters} are marriageable , when [I]_173-robert will walk [them]_{622-daughters} straight across [Fleet street]_{24-fleet street} to [St. Dunstan 's church]_{56-st. dunstan 's church} , and deliver [them]_{622-daughters} into the hands of [[their]_{622-daughters} husbands]_{5696-their husbands} . "_[173-robert] With such reflections as these did [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert beguile the time until [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} re - entered [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} , fresh and radiant in [her]_{468-my lady} elegant morning costume , [her]_{468-my lady} yellow curls glistening with the perfumed waters in which [she]_{468-my lady} had bathed , and [her]_{468-my lady} velvet - covered sketch - book in [her]_{468-my lady} arms . [She]_{468-my lady} planted a little easel upon a table by the window , seated [herself]_{468-my lady} before it , and began to mix the colors upon [her]_{468-my lady} palette , [Robert]_173-robert watching [her]_{468-my lady} out of [his]_173-robert half - closed eyes . " [You]_173-robert are sure [my]_173-robert cigar does not annoy [you]_173-robert , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} ? "_[173-robert] " Oh , no indeed ; [I]_{468-my lady} am quite used to the smell of tobacco . [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} , [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} , smoked all the evening when [I]_{468-my lady} lived in [[his]_{151-mr. dawson} house]_{447-his house} . "_{[468-my lady]} " [Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} is [a good fellow]_{4860-a good fellow} , is n't [he]_{151-mr. dawson} ? "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert asked , carelessly . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} burst into [her]_{468-my lady} pretty , gushing laugh . " [The dearest of good creatures]_{5700-the dearest of good creatures} , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said . " [He]_{151-mr. dawson} paid [me]_{468-my lady} five - and - twenty pounds a year — only fancy , five - and - twenty pounds ! That made six pounds five a quarter . How well [I]_{468-my lady} remember receiving the money — six dingy old sovereigns , and a little heap of untidy , dirty silver , that came straight from the till in [the surgery]_{5701-the surgery} ! And then how glad [I]_{468-my lady} was to get it ! While now — [I]_{468-my lady} ca n't help laughing while [I]_{468-my lady} think of it — these colors [I]_{468-my lady} am using cost a guinea each at [Winsor & Newton's]_{57-winsor & newton's} — the carmine and ultramarine thirty shillings . [I]_{468-my lady} gave [Mrs. Dawson]_{154-mrs. dawson} one of [my]_{468-my lady} silk dresses the other day , and [the poor thing]_{5702-the poor thing} kissed [me]_{468-my lady} , and [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} carried the bundle [home]_479-home under [his]_{508-the surgeon} cloak . "_{[468-my lady]} [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} laughed long and joyously at the thought . [Her]_{468-my lady} colors were mixed ; [she]_{468-my lady} was copying a water - colored sketch of an impossibly Turneresque atmosphere . The sketch was nearly finished , and [she]_{468-my lady} had only to put in some critical little touches with the most delicate of [her]_{468-my lady} sable pencils . [She]_{468-my lady} prepared [herself]_{468-my lady} daintily for the work , looking sideways at the painting . All this time [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert 's eyes were fixed intently on [her]_{468-my lady} pretty face . " It is a change , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , after so long a pause that [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} might have forgotten what [she]_{468-my lady} had been talking of , " it is a change ! [Some women]_{5705-some women} would do a great deal to accomplish such a change as that . "_[173-robert] [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's clear blue eyes dilated as [she]_{150-lady audley} fixed them suddenly on [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} . The wintry sunlight , gleaming full upon [her]_{150-lady audley} face from a side window , lit up the azure of those beautiful eyes , till their color seemed to flicker and tremble betwixt blue and green , as the opal tints of [the sea]_{661-the sea} change upon a summer 's day . The small brush fell from [her]_{150-lady audley} hand , and blotted out [the peasant]_{1707-the peasant} 's face under a widening circle of crimson lake . [Robert Audley]_173-robert was tenderly coaxing the crumbled leaf of [his]_173-robert cigar with cautious fingers . " [[My]_173-robert friend]_{836-my friend} at [the corner of [Chancery Lane]_{51-chancery lane}]_{5707-the corner of chancery lane} has not given [me]_173-robert such good Manillas as usual , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert murmured . " If ever [you]_{468-my lady} smoke , [[my]_173-robert dear aunt]_{1149-my dear aunt} ( and [I]_173-robert am told that [many women]_{5709-many women} take a quiet weed under the rose ) , be very careful how [you]_{468-my lady} choose [your]_{468-my lady} cigars . "_[173-robert] [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} drew a long breath , picked up [her]_{468-my lady} brush , and laughed aloud at [Robert]_173-robert 's advice . " What [an eccentric creature]_{5710-an eccentric creature} [you]_173-robert are , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert [I]_{468-my lady} Do [you]_173-robert know that [you]_173-robert sometimes puzzle [me]_{468-my lady} — "_{[468-my lady]} " Not more than [you]_173-robert puzzle [me]_{468-my lady} , [dear aunt]_{5711-dear aunt} . "_{[468-my lady]} [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} put away [her]_{468-my lady} colors and sketch book , and seating [herself]_{468-my lady} in the deep recess of another window , at a considerable distance from [Robert Audley]_173-robert , settled to a large piece of Berlin - wool work — a piece of embroidery which [the Penelopes of ten or twelve years ago]_{1710-the penelopes of ten or twelve years ago} were very fond of exercising [their]_{1710-the penelopes of ten or twelve years ago} ingenuity upon — the Olden Time at [Bolton Abbey]_{58-bolton abbey} . Seated in the embrasure of this window , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} was separated from [Robert Audley]_173-robert by the whole length of [the room]_{595-the room} , and [the young man]_{667-the young man} could only catch an occasional glimpse of [her]_{468-my lady} fair face , surrounded by its bright aureole of hazy , golden hair . [Robert Audley]_173-robert had been a week at [the Court]_{373-the court} , but as yet neither [he]_173-robert nor [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} had mentioned the name of [George Talboys]_157-george . This morning , however , after exhausting the usual topics of conversation , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} made an inquiry about [[her]_{150-lady audley} nephew 's friend]_{1716-her nephew 's friend} ; " That [Mr. George]_157-george — [George]_157-george — "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said , hesitating . " [Talboys]_157-george , "_[173-robert] suggested [Robert]_173-robert . " Yes , to be sure — [Mr. George Talboys]_157-george . Rather a singular name , by - the - by , and certainly , by all accounts , [a very singular person]_{5712-a very singular person} . Have [you]_173-robert seen [him]_{1716-her nephew 's friend} lately ? "_[173-robert] " [I]_{468-my lady} have not seen [him]_{1716-her nephew 's friend} since the 7th of September last — the day upon which [he]_{1716-her nephew 's friend} left [me]_{468-my lady} asleep in the meadows on [the other side of [the village]_{5107-the village}]_{5713-the other side of the village} . "_{[468-my lady]} " Dear [me]_{468-my lady} ! "_{[468-my lady]} exclaimed [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " what [a very strange young man]_{5715-a very strange young man} this [Mr. George Talboys]_157-george must be ! Pray tell [me]_173-robert all about it . "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert told , in a few words , of [his]_173-robert visit to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} and [his]_173-robert journey to [Liverpool]_6-liverpool , with their different results , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} listening very attentively . In order to tell this story to better advantage , [the young man]_{667-the young man} left [his]_{667-the young man} chair , and , crossing [the room]_{595-the room} , took up [his]_{667-the young man} place opposite to [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , in the embrasure of the window . " And what do [you]_{667-the young man} infer from all this ? "_{[468-my lady]} asked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , after a pause . " It is so great a mystery to [me]_{667-the young man} , "_{[667-the young man]} [he]_{667-the young man} answered , " that [I]_{667-the young man} scarcely dare to draw any conclusion whatever ; but in the obscurity [I]_{667-the young man} think [I]_{667-the young man} can grope [my]_{667-the young man} way to two suppositions , which to [me]_{667-the young man} seem almost certainties . "_{[667-the young man]} " And they are — "_{[468-my lady]} " First , that [George Talboys]_157-george never went beyond [Southampton]_{33-southampton} . Second , that [he]_157-george never went to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} at all . "_{[468-my lady]} " But [you]_{667-the young man} traced [him]_157-george [there]_374-there . [[His]_157-george father - in - law]_{5039-his father - in - law} had seen [him]_157-george . "_{[468-my lady]} " [I]_{468-my lady} have reason to doubt [[his]_157-george father - in - law]_{5039-his father - in - law} 's integrity . "_{[468-my lady]} " Good gracious [me]_{468-my lady} ! "_{[468-my lady]} cried [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , piteously . " What do [you]_{667-the young man} mean by all this ? "_{[468-my lady]} " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , "_{[667-the young man]} answered [the young man]_{667-the young man} , gravely , " [I]_{667-the young man} have never practiced as [a barrister]_{4842-a barrister} . [I]_{667-the young man} have enrolled [myself]_{667-the young man} in the ranks of a profession , the members of which hold solemn responsibilities and have sacred duties to perform ; and [I]_{667-the young man} have shrunk from those responsibilities and duties , as [I]_{667-the young man} have from all the fatigues of this troublesome life . But [we]_5720-we are sometimes forced into the very position [we]_5720-we have most avoided , and [I]_{667-the young man} have found [myself]_{667-the young man} lately compelled to think of these things . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , did [you]_{150-lady audley} ever study the theory of circumstantial evidence ? "_{[667-the young man]} " How can [you]_{667-the young man} ask [a poor little woman]_{5721-a poor little woman} about such horrid things ? "_{[468-my lady]} exclaimed [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . " Circumstantial evidence , "_{[667-the young man]} continued [the young man]_{667-the young man} , as if [he]_{667-the young man} scarcely heard [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's interruption—"that wonderful fabric which is built out of straws collected at every point of the compass , and which is yet strong enough to hang [a man]_{445-a man} . Upon what infinitesimal trifles may sometimes hang the whole secret of some wicked mystery , inexplicable heretofore to the wisest upon [the earth]_{5601-the earth} ! A scrap of paper , a shred of some torn garment , the button off a coat , a word dropped incautiously from the overcautious lips of guilt , the fragment of a letter , the shutting or opening of a door , a shadow on a window - blind , the accuracy of a moment tested by one of [Benson]_216-benson 's watches — a thousand circumstances so slight as to be forgotten by [the criminal]_{5724-the criminal} , but links of iron in the wonderful chain forged by the science of [the detective officer]_{5725-the detective officer} ; and lo ! the gallows is built up ; the solemn bell tolls through the dismal gray of the early morning , the drop creaks under the guilty feet , and the penalty of crime is paid . "_{[150-lady audley]} Faint shadows of green and crimson fell upon [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's face from the painted escutcheons in the mullioned window by which [she]_{150-lady audley} sat ; but every trace of the natural color of that face had faded out , leaving it a ghastly ashen gray . Sitting quietly in [her]_{150-lady audley} chair , [her]_{150-lady audley} head fallen back upon the amber damask cushions , and [her]_{150-lady audley} little hands lying powerless in [her]_{150-lady audley} lap , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} had fainted away . " The radius grows narrower day by day , "_[173-robert] said [Robert Audley]_173-robert . " [George Talboys]_157-george never reached [Southampton]_{33-southampton} . "_[173-robert] The Christmas week was over , and one by one [the country visitors]_{1727-the country visitors} dropped away from [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} . [The fat squire]_{1728-the fat squire} and [[his]_{1728-the fat squire} wife]_{554-his wife} abandoned [the gray , tapestried chamber]_{1730-the gray , tapestried chamber} , and left [the black - browed warriors looming from the wall]_{1731-the black - browed warriors looming from the wall} to scowl upon and threaten [new guests , or to glare vengefully upon vacancy]_{1732-new guests , or to glare vengefully upon vacancy} . [The merry girls on [the second story]_{1734-the second story}]_{1733-the merry girls on the second story} packed , or caused to be packed , [their]_{1733-the merry girls on the second story} trunks and imperials , and tumbled gauze ball - dresses were taken [home]_479-home that had been brought fresh to [Audley]_{150-lady audley} . Blundering old family chariots , with horses whose untrimmed fetlocks told of rougher work than even [country roads]_{1736-country roads} , were brought round to the broad space before the grim oak door , and laden with chaotic heaps of womanly luggage . Pretty rosy faces peeped out of carriage windows to smile the last farewell upon [the group at the hall]_{1737-the group at the hall} door , as [the vehicle]_{1673-the vehicle} rattled and rumbled under the ivied archway . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} was in request everywhere . Shaking hands with [the young sportsmen]_{1739-the young sportsmen} ; kissing [the rosy - cheeked girls]_{1740-the rosy - cheeked girls} ; sometimes even embracing [portly matrons who came to thank [him]_{146-sir michael} for [their]_{1741-portly matrons who came to thank him for their pleasant visit} pleasant visit]_{1741-portly matrons who came to thank him for their pleasant visit} ; everywhere genial , hospitable , generous , happy , and beloved , [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} hurried from [room]_1174-room to [room]_1174-room , from [the hall]_{804-the hall} to [the stables]_{1746-the stables} , from [the stables]_{1746-the stables} to [the court - yard]_{1748-the court - yard} , from [the court - yard]_{1748-the court - yard} to the arched gateway to speed [the parting guest]_{1750-the parting guest} . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's yellow curls flashed hither and thither like wandering gleams of sunshine on these busy days of farewell . [Her]_{468-my lady} great blue eyes had a pretty , mournful look , in charming unison with the soft pressure of [her]_{468-my lady} little hand , and that friendly , though perhaps rather stereotyped speech , in which [she]_{468-my lady} told [[her]_{468-my lady} visitors]_{1752-her visitors} how [she]_{468-my lady} was so sorry to lose [them]_{1752-her visitors} , and how [she]_{468-my lady} did n't know what [she]_{468-my lady} should do till [they]_{1752-her visitors} came once more to enliven [the court]_{373-the court} by [their]_{1752-her visitors} charming society . But however sorry [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} might be to lose [[her]_{468-my lady} visitors]_{1752-her visitors} , there was at least [one guest whose society [she]_{468-my lady} was not deprived of]_{1756-one guest whose society she was not deprived of} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert showed no intention of leaving [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's house]_{1245-his uncle 's house} . [He]_173-robert had no professional duties , [he]_173-robert said ; [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} was delightfully shady in hot weather , but there was a sharp corner round which the wind came in the summer months , armed with avenging rheumatisms and influenzas . [Everybody]_{632-everybody} was so good to [him]_173-robert at [the Court]_{373-the court} , that really [he]_173-robert had no inclination to hurry away . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} had but one answer to this : " Stay , [[my]_{146-sir michael} dear boy]_{899-my dear boy} ; stay , [[my]_{146-sir michael} dear]_{4626-my dear} Bob , as long as ever [you]_{899-my dear boy} like . [I]_{146-sir michael} have [no son]_{5728-no son} , and [you]_{899-my dear boy} stand to [me]_{146-sir michael} in the place of one . Make [yourself]_{899-my dear boy} agreeable to [Lucy]_197-lucy , and make [the Court]_{373-the court} [[your]_{899-my dear boy} home]_{5730-your home} as long as [you]_{899-my dear boy} live . "_{[146-sir michael]} To which [Robert]_173-robert would merely reply by grasping [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's hand vehemently , and muttering something about " [a jolly old prince]_{5731-a jolly old prince} . "_{[667-the young man]} It was to be observed that there was sometimes a certain vague sadness in [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's tone when [he]_{667-the young man} called [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} " [a jolly old prince]_{5731-a jolly old prince} ; "_{[667-the young man]} some shadow of affectionate regret that brought a mist into [Robert]_173-robert 's eyes , as [he]_173-robert sat in a corner of [the room]_{595-the room} looking thoughtfully at [the white - bearded baronet]_{1764-the white - bearded baronet} . Before [the last of [the young sportsmen]_{1739-the young sportsmen}]_{1765-the last of the young sportsmen} departed , [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} demanded and obtained an interview with [Miss Alicia Audley]_149-alicia in [the oak library]_{1767-the oak library} — an interview in which considerable emotion was displayed by [the stalwart young fox - hunter]_{1768-the stalwart young fox - hunter} ; so much emotion , indeed , and of such a genuine and honest character , that [Alicia]_149-alicia fairly broke down as [she]_149-alicia told [him]_{214-sir harry towers} [she]_149-alicia should forever esteem and respect [him]_{214-sir harry towers} for [his]_{214-sir harry towers} true and noble heart , but that [he]_{214-sir harry towers} must never , never , unless [he]_{214-sir harry towers} wished to cause [her]_149-alicia the most cruel distress , ask more from [her]_149-alicia than this esteem and respect . [Sir Harry]_{214-sir harry towers} left [the library]_{5301-the library} by the French window opening into [the pond - garden]_{1770-the pond - garden} . [He]_{214-sir harry towers} strolled into that very lime - walk which [George Talboys]_157-george had compared to [an avenue in [a churchyard]_{1099-a churchyard}]_{1098-an avenue in a churchyard} , and under the leafless trees fought the battle of [his]_{214-sir harry towers} brave young heart . " What [a fool]_{4668-a fool} [I]_{214-sir harry towers} am to feel it like this ! "_{[214-sir harry towers]} [he]_{214-sir harry towers} cried , stamping [his]_{214-sir harry towers} foot upon the frosty ground . " [I]_{214-sir harry towers} always knew it would be so ; [I]_{214-sir harry towers} always knew that [she]_149-alicia was a hundred times too good for [me]_{214-sir harry towers} . God bless [her]_149-alicia ! How nobly and tenderly [she]_149-alicia spoke ; how beautiful [she]_149-alicia looked with the crimson blushes under [her]_149-alicia brown skin , and the tears in [her]_149-alicia big , gray eyes — almost as handsome as the day [she]_149-alicia took the sunk fence , and let [me]_{214-sir harry towers} put the brush in [her]_149-alicia hat as [we]_5734-we rode [home]_479-home ! God bless [her]_149-alicia ! [I]_{214-sir harry towers} can get over anything as long as [she]_149-alicia does n't care for [that sneaking lawyer]_{5736-that sneaking lawyer} . But [I]_{214-sir harry towers} could n't stand that . "_{[214-sir harry towers]} [That sneaking lawyer]_{5736-that sneaking lawyer} , by which appellation [Sir Harry]_{214-sir harry towers} alluded to [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , was standing in [the hall]_{804-the hall} , looking at a map of [the midland counties]_{1775-the midland counties} , when [Alicia]_149-alicia came out of [the library]_{5301-the library} , with red eyes , after [her]_149-alicia interview with [the fox - hunting baronet]_{1777-the fox - hunting baronet} . [Robert]_173-robert , who was short - sighted , had [his]_173-robert eyes within half an inch of the surface of the map as [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} approached [him]_173-robert . " Yes , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " [Norwich]_59-norwich is in [Norfolk]_60-norfolk , and [that fool]_{5737-that fool} , [young Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} , said it was in [Herefordshire]_{61-herefordshire} . [Ha]_217-ha , [Alicia]_149-alicia , is that [you]_149-alicia ? "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert turned round so as to intercept [Miss Audley]_149-alicia on [her]_{5100-the young lady} way to the staircase . " Yes , "_{[786-his cousin]} replied [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} curtly , trying to pass [him]_173-robert . " [Alicia]_149-alicia , [you]_149-alicia have been crying . "_{[5100-the young lady]} [The young lady]_{5100-the young lady} did not condescend to reply . " [You]_149-alicia have been crying , [Alicia]_149-alicia . [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} , of [Towers Park]_{62-towers park} , in [the county of Herts]_{5738-the county of herts} , has been making [you]_149-alicia an offer of [his]_{214-sir harry towers} hand , eh ? "_{[5100-the young lady]} " Have [you]_149-alicia been listening at the door , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ? "_[173-robert] " [I]_{5100-the young lady} have not , [Miss Audley]_149-alicia . On principle , [I]_{5100-the young lady} object to listen , and in practice [I]_{5100-the young lady} believe it to be a very troublesome proceeding ; but [I]_{5100-the young lady} am [a barrister]_{4842-a barrister} , [Miss Alicia]_149-alicia , and able to draw a conclusion by induction . Do [you]_149-alicia know what inductive evidence is , [Miss Audley]_149-alicia ? "_{[5100-the young lady]} " No , "_[149-alicia] replied [Alicia]_149-alicia , looking at [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} as a handsome young panther might look at [its daring tormentor]_{1782-its daring tormentor} . " [I]_{5100-the young lady} thought not . [I]_{5100-the young lady} dare say [Sir Harry]_{214-sir harry towers} would ask if it was a new kind of horse - ball . [I]_{5100-the young lady} knew by induction that [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} was going to make [you]_149-alicia an offer ; first , because [he]_{465-the baronet} came [downstairs]_{5741-downstairs} with [his]_{465-the baronet} hair parted on the wrong side , and [his]_{465-the baronet} face as pale as a tablecloth ; secondly , because [he]_{465-the baronet} could n't eat any breakfast , and let [his]_{465-the baronet} coffee go the wrong way ; and , thirdly , because [he]_{465-the baronet} asked for an interview with [you]_149-alicia before [he]_{465-the baronet} left [the Court]_{373-the court} . Well , how 's it to be , [Alicia]_149-alicia ? Do [we]_5743-we marry [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} , and is [poor Cousin Bob]_174-bob to be [the best man at the wedding]_{5745-the best man at the wedding} ? "_{[5100-the young lady]} " [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} is [a noble - hearted young man]_{5746-a noble - hearted young man} , "_[149-alicia] said [Alicia]_149-alicia , still trying to pass [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} . " But do [we]_5743-we accept [him]_{214-sir harry towers} — yes or no ? Are [we]_5743-we to be [Lady Towers]_{218-lady towers} , with [a superb estate in [Hertfordshire]_{63-hertfordshire}]_{5747-a superb estate in hertfordshire} , [summer quarters for [[our]_5743-we hunters]_{5749-our hunters}]_{5748-summer quarters for our hunters} , and [a drag with outriders to drive [us]_5743-we across to [papa 's place in [Essex]_2-essex]_{5751-papa 's place in essex}]_{5750-a drag with outriders to drive us across to papa 's place in essex} ? Is it to be so , [Alicia]_149-alicia , or not ? "_[149-alicia] " What is that to [you]_{214-sir harry towers} , [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert ? "_[149-alicia] cried [Alicia]_149-alicia , passionately . " What do [you]_{214-sir harry towers} care what becomes of [me]_149-alicia , or whom [I]_149-alicia marry ? If [I]_149-alicia married [a chimney - sweep]_{5752-a chimney - sweep} [you]_{214-sir harry towers} 'd only lift up [your]_{214-sir harry towers} eyebrows and say , ' Bless [my]_149-alicia soul , [she]_{5752-a chimney - sweep} was always eccentric . ' [I]_149-alicia have refused [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} ; but when [I]_149-alicia think of [his]_{214-sir harry towers} generous and unselfish affection , and compare it with the heartless , lazy , selfish , supercilious indifference of [other men]_{4874-other men} , [I]_149-alicia 've a good mind to run after [him]_{214-sir harry towers} and tell [him]_{214-sir harry towers} — "_[149-alicia] " That [you]_149-alicia 'll retract , and be [my]_173-robert Lady [Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} ? "_[173-robert] " Yes . "_[149-alicia] " Then do n't , [Alicia]_149-alicia , do n't , "_[173-robert] said [Robert Audley]_173-robert , grasping [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} 's slender little wrist , and leading [her]_{786-his cousin} up - stairs . " Come into [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} with [me]_173-robert , [Alicia]_149-alicia , [[my]_173-robert poor little cousin]_{5755-my poor little cousin} ; [[my]_173-robert charming , impetuous , alarming little cousin]_{5756-my charming , impetuous , alarming little cousin} . Sit down here in this mullioned window , and let [us]_{793-the cousins} talk seriously and leave off quarreling if [we]_{793-the cousins} can . "_[173-robert] [The cousins]_{793-the cousins} had [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} all to [themselves]_{793-the cousins} . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} was out , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} in [[her]_{468-my lady} own apartments]_{1788-her own apartments} , and poor Sir [Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} walking up and down upon [the gravel walk]_{1789-the gravel walk} , darkened with the flickering shadows of the leafless branches in the cold winter sunshine . " [[My]_173-robert poor little [Alicia]_149-alicia]_{5757-my poor little alicia} , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , as tenderly as if [he]_173-robert had been addressing [some spoiled child]_{1790-some spoiled child} , " do [you]_149-alicia suppose that because [people]_572-people do n't wear vinegar tops , or part [their]_572-people hair on the wrong side , or conduct [themselves]_572-people altogether after the manner of [well - meaning maniacs]_{5759-well - meaning maniacs} , by way of proving the vehemence of [their]_572-people passion — do [you]_149-alicia suppose because of this , [Alicia Audley]_149-alicia , that [they]_572-people may not be just as sensible of the merits of [a dear little warm - hearted and affectionate girl]_{5760-a dear little warm - hearted and affectionate girl} as ever [[their]_572-people neighbors]_{5761-their neighbors} can be ? Life is such a very troublesome matter , when all is said and done , that it 's as well even to take its blessings quietly . [I]_173-robert do n't make a great howling because [I]_173-robert can get good cigars one door from [the corner of [Chancery Lane]_{51-chancery lane}]_{5707-the corner of chancery lane} , and have [a dear , good girl for [[my]_173-robert cousin]_{986-my cousin}]_{5763-a dear , good girl for my cousin} ; but [I]_173-robert am not the less grateful to [Providence]_{219-providence} that it is so . "_[173-robert] [Alicia]_149-alicia opened [her]_149-alicia gray eyes to their widest extent , looking [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} full in the face with a bewildered stare . [Robert]_173-robert had picked up the ugliest and leanest of [his]_173-robert attendant curs , and was placidly stroking the animal 's ears . " Is this all [you]_173-robert have to say to [me]_149-alicia , [Robert]_173-robert ? "_[149-alicia] asked [Miss Audley]_149-alicia , meekly . " Well , yes , [I]_{790-her cousin} think so , "_{[790-her cousin]} replied [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} , after considerable deliberation . " [I]_{790-her cousin} fancy that what [I]_{790-her cousin} wanted to say was this — don't marry [the fox - hunting baronet]_{1777-the fox - hunting baronet} if [you]_173-robert like [anybody else]_{5766-anybody else} better ; for if [you]_173-robert 'll only be patient and take life easily , and try and reform [yourself]_173-robert of banging doors , bouncing in and out [rooms]_5767-rooms , talking of [the stables]_{1746-the stables} , and riding across [country]_5691-country , [I]_{790-her cousin} 've no doubt [the person [you]_173-robert prefer]_{5770-the person you prefer} will make [you]_173-robert [a very excellent husband]_{5771-a very excellent husband} . "_{[790-her cousin]} " Thank [you]_173-robert , [cousin]_5772-cousin , "_[149-alicia] said [Miss Audley]_149-alicia , crimsoning with bright , indignant blushes up to the roots of [her]_149-alicia waving brown hair ; " but as [you]_173-robert may not know [the person [I]_173-robert prefer]_{5773-the person i prefer} , [I]_173-robert think [you]_173-robert had better not take upon [yourself]_173-robert to answer for [him]_{5773-the person i prefer} . "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert pulled the dog 's ears thoughtfully for some moments . " No , to be sure , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , after a pause . " Of course , if [I]_173-robert do n't know [him]_{5773-the person i prefer} — [I]_173-robert thought [I]_173-robert did . "_[173-robert] " Did [you]_173-robert ? "_[149-alicia] exclaimed [Alicia]_149-alicia ; and opening the door with a violence that made [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} shiver , [she]_149-alicia bounced out of [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} . " [I]_173-robert only said [I]_173-robert thought [I]_173-robert knew [him]_{5773-the person i prefer} , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert called after [her]_149-alicia ; and , then , as [he]_173-robert sunk into an easy - chair , [he]_173-robert murmured thoughtfully : " Such [a nice girl]_{5692-a nice girl} , too , if [she]_{5692-a nice girl} did n't bounce . "_[173-robert] So poor [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} rode away from [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} , looking very crestfallen and dismal . [He]_{214-sir harry towers} had very little pleasure in returning to [the stately mansion]_{1795-the stately mansion} , hidden among sheltering oaks and venerable beeches . [The square , red brick house]_{1796-the square , red brick house} , gleaming at the end of a long arcade of leafless trees was to be forever desolate , [he]_{214-sir harry towers} thought , since [Alicia]_149-alicia would not come to be [its mistress]_{1797-its mistress} . A hundred improvements planned and thought of were dismissed from [his]_{214-sir harry towers} mind as useless now . [The hunter that Jim the trainer]_{1798-the hunter that jim the trainer} was breaking in for [a lady]_{1799-a lady} ; [the two pointer pups that were being reared for the next shooting season]_{1800-the two pointer pups that were being reared for the next shooting season} ; the big black retriever that would have carried [Alicia]_149-alicia 's parasol ; [the pavilion in [the garden]_{452-the garden}]_{1801-the pavilion in the garden} , disused since [[his]_{214-sir harry towers} mother]_{533-his mother} 's death , but which [he]_{214-sir harry towers} had meant to have restored for [Miss Audley]_149-alicia — all these things were now so much vanity and vexation of spirit . " What 's the good of being rich if [one]_5487-one has [no one]_{507-no one} to help spend [one]_5487-one 's money ? "_{[1804-the young baronet]} said [the young baronet]_{1804-the young baronet} . " [One]_5487-one only grows [a selfish beggar]_{5779-a selfish beggar} , and takes to drinking too much port . It 's a hard thing that [a girl]_{750-a girl} can refuse a true heart and such stables as [we]_5781-we 've got at [the park]_{5782-the park} . It unsettles [a man]_{445-a man} somehow . "_{[1804-the young baronet]} Indeed , this unlooked for rejection had very much unsettled the few ideas which made up the small sum of [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's mind . [He]_{214-sir harry towers} had been desperately in love with [Alicia]_149-alicia ever since the last hunting season , when [he]_{214-sir harry towers} had met [her]_149-alicia at the county ball . [His]_{214-sir harry towers} passion , cherished through the slow monotony of a summer , had broken out afresh in the merry winter months , and [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's mauvaise honte alone had delayed the offer of [his]_{214-sir harry towers} hand . But [he]_{214-sir harry towers} had never for a moment supposed that [he]_{214-sir harry towers} would be refused ; [he]_{214-sir harry towers} was so used to the adulation of [mothers]_1807-mothers who had [daughters to marry]_{1808-daughters to marry} , and of even [the daughters]_{1809-the daughters} [themselves]_{1809-the daughters} ; [he]_{214-sir harry towers} had been so accustomed to feel [himself]_{214-sir harry towers} [the leading personage]_{1810-the leading personage} in an assembly , although [half the wits of the age]_{1811-half the wits of the age} had been there , and [he]_{214-sir harry towers} could only say " Haw , to be sure ! "_{[214-sir harry towers]} and " By Jove — hum ! "_{[214-sir harry towers]} [he]_{214-sir harry towers} had been so spoiled by the flatteries of bright eyes that looked , or seemed to look , the brighter when [he]_{214-sir harry towers} drew near , that without being possessed of one shadow of personal vanity , [he]_{214-sir harry towers} had yet come to think that [he]_{214-sir harry towers} had only to make an offer to [the prettiest girl in [Essex]_2-essex]_{1812-the prettiest girl in essex} to behold [himself]_{214-sir harry towers} immediately accepted . " Yes , "_{[214-sir harry towers]} [he]_{214-sir harry towers} would say complacently to [some admiring satellite]_{1813-some admiring satellite} , " [I]_{465-the baronet} know [I]_{465-the baronet} 'm a good match , and [I]_{465-the baronet} know what makes [the gals so civil]_{5784-the gals so civil} . [They]_{5784-the gals so civil} 're very pretty , and [they]_{5784-the gals so civil} 're very friendly to [a fellow]_{5492-a fellow} ; but [I]_{465-the baronet} do n't care about ['em]_5786-'em . [They]_{5784-the gals so civil} 're all alike — [they]_{5784-the gals so civil} can only drop [their]_{5784-the gals so civil} eyes and say , ' Lor ' , [Sir Harry]_{214-sir harry towers} , why do [you]_{214-sir harry towers} call [that curly black dog]_{5787-that curly black dog} [a retriever]_{5788-a retriever} ? ' or ' [Oh Sir Harry]_{214-sir harry towers} , and did [the poor mare]_{5789-the poor mare} really sprain [her]_{5789-the poor mare} pastern shoulder - blade ? ' [I]_{465-the baronet} have n't got much brains [myself]_{465-the baronet} , [I]_{465-the baronet} know , "_{[465-the baronet]} [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} would add deprecatingly ; " and [I]_{465-the baronet} do n't want [a strong - minded woman , who writes books and wears green spectacles]_{5790-a strong - minded woman , who writes books and wears green spectacles} ; but , hang it ! [I]_{465-the baronet} like [a gal who knows what [she]_{5790-a strong - minded woman , who writes books and wears green spectacles} 's talking about]_{5791-a gal who knows what she 's talking about} . "_{[465-the baronet]} So when [Alicia]_149-alicia said " No , "_[149-alicia] or rather made that pretty speech about esteem and respect , which [well - bred young ladies]_{1815-well - bred young ladies} substitute for the obnoxious monosyllable , [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} felt that the whole fabric of the future [he]_{214-sir harry towers} had built so complacently was shivered into a heap of dingy ruins . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} grasped [him]_{214-sir harry towers} warmly by the hand just before [the young man]_{667-the young man} mounted [his]_{667-the young man} horse in [the court - yard]_{1748-the court - yard} . " [I]_{146-sir michael} 'm very sorry , [Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} , "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} said . " [You]_{214-sir harry towers} 're as good [a fellow as ever breathed]_{5792-a fellow as ever breathed} , and would have made [[my]_{146-sir michael} girl]_{4780-my girl} an [excellent husband]_{5794-excellent husband} ; but [you]_{214-sir harry towers} know there 's [a cousin]_{5795-a cousin} , and [I]_{146-sir michael} think that — "_{[146-sir michael]} " Do n't say that , [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , "_{[1818-the fox - hunter]} interrupted [the fox - hunter]_{1818-the fox - hunter} , energetically . " [I]_{1818-the fox - hunter} can get over anything but that . [A fellow whose hand upon the curb]_{5796-a fellow whose hand upon the curb} weighs half a ton ( why , [he]_{667-the young man} pulled [the Cavalier]_{5797-the cavalier} 's mouth to pieces , [sir]_900-sir , the day [you]_900-sir let [him]_{667-the young man} ride the horse ) ; [a fellow who turns [his]_{667-the young man} collars down , and eats bread and marmalade]_{5799-a fellow who turns his collars down , and eats bread and marmalade} ! No , no , [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} ; it 's [a queer world]_{5800-a queer world} , but [I]_{1818-the fox - hunter} ca n't think that of [Miss Audley]_149-alicia . There must be [some one in the background]_{5801-some one in the background} , [sir]_900-sir ; it ca n't be [the cousin]_{5803-the cousin} . "_{[1818-the fox - hunter]} [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} shook [his]_{146-sir michael} head as [the rejected suitor]_{1819-the rejected suitor} rode away . " [I]_{146-sir michael} do n't know about that , "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} muttered . " [Bob]_174-bob 's [a good lad]_{5804-a good lad} , and [the girl]_{753-the girl} might do worse ; but [he]_174-bob hangs back as if [he]_174-bob did n't care for [her]_{753-the girl} . There 's some mystery — there 's some mystery ! "_{[146-sir michael]} [The old baronet]_{1820-the old baronet} said this in that semi - thoughtful tone with which [we]_1821-we speak of [other people]_{1822-other people} 's affairs . The shadows of the early winter twilight , gathering thickest under the low oak ceiling of [the hall]_{804-the hall} , and the quaint curve of the arched doorway , fell darkly round [his]_{1820-the old baronet} handsome head ; but the light of [his]_{1820-the old baronet} declining life , [[his]_{1820-the old baronet} beautiful and beloved young wife]_{1824-his beautiful and beloved young wife} , was near [him]_{1820-the old baronet} , and [he]_{1820-the old baronet} could see no shadows when [she]_{1824-his beautiful and beloved young wife} was by . [She]_{1824-his beautiful and beloved young wife} came skipping through [the hall]_{804-the hall} to meet [him]_{1820-the old baronet} , and , shaking [her]_{1824-his beautiful and beloved young wife} golden ringlets , buried [her]_{1824-his beautiful and beloved young wife} bright head on [[her]_{1824-his beautiful and beloved young wife} husband]_{469-her husband} 's breast . " So [the last of [[our]_5807-our visitors]_{5808-our visitors}]_{5806-the last of our visitors} is gone , [dear]_5809-dear , and [we]_5807-our 're all alone , "_{[1824-his beautiful and beloved young wife]} [she]_{1824-his beautiful and beloved young wife} said . " Is n't that nice ? "_{[1824-his beautiful and beloved young wife]} " Yes , [darling]_5810-darling , "_{[1820-the old baronet]} [he]_{1820-the old baronet} answered fondly , stroking [her]_{1824-his beautiful and beloved young wife} bright hair . " Except [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert . How long is [that nephew of yours]_{5811-that nephew of yours} going to stay [here]_4776-here ? "_{[465-the baronet]} " As long as [he]_{1820-the old baronet} likes , [[my]_{465-the baronet} pet]_{4695-my pet} ; [he]_{1820-the old baronet} 's always welcome , "_{[465-the baronet]} said [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} ; and then , as if remembering [himself]_{465-the baronet} , [he]_{465-the baronet} added , tenderly : " But not unless [his]_{1820-the old baronet} visit is agreeable to [you]_5810-darling , [darling]_5810-darling ; not if [his]_{1820-the old baronet} lazy habits , or [his]_{1820-the old baronet} smoking , or [his]_{1820-the old baronet} dogs , or anything about [him]_{1820-the old baronet} is displeasing to [you]_5810-darling . "_{[465-the baronet]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} pursed up [her]_{150-lady audley} rosy lips and looked thoughtfully at the ground . " It is n't that , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said , hesitatingly . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert is [a very agreeable young man]_{5815-a very agreeable young man} , and [a very honorable young man]_{5816-a very honorable young man} ; but [you]_5810-darling know , [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , [I]_{150-lady audley} 'm rather [a young aunt]_{5817-a young aunt} for [such a nephew]_{5818-such a nephew} , and — "_{[150-lady audley]} " And what , [Lucy]_197-lucy ? "_{[465-the baronet]} asked [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} , fiercely . " [Poor Alicia]_190-alicia is rather jealous of any attention [Mr. Audley]_173-robert pays [me]_{465-the baronet} , and — and — [I]_{465-the baronet} think it would be better for [her]_190-alicia happiness if [[your]_5810-darling nephew]_{5819-your nephew} were to bring [his]_{5819-your nephew} visit to a close . "_{[465-the baronet]} " [He]_{5819-your nephew} shall go to - night , [Lucy]_197-lucy , "_{[146-sir michael]} exclaimed [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} . " [I]_{146-sir michael} am [a blind , neglectful fool not to have thought of this]_{5820-a blind , neglectful fool not to have thought of this} before . [[My]_{146-sir michael} lovely little darling]_{5821-my lovely little darling} , it was scarcely just to [Bob]_174-bob to expose [the poor lad]_{5822-the poor lad} to [your]_197-lucy fascinations . [I]_{146-sir michael} know [him]_{5819-your nephew} to be as good and true - hearted [a fellow as ever breathed]_{5792-a fellow as ever breathed} , but — but — [he]_{5819-your nephew} shall go tonight . "_{[146-sir michael]} " But [you]_5810-darling wo n't be too abrupt , [dear]_5809-dear ? [You]_5810-darling wo n't be rude ? "_{[465-the baronet]} " Rude ! No , [Lucy]_197-lucy . [I]_{146-sir michael} left [him]_{5819-your nephew} smoking in the lime - walk . [I]_{146-sir michael} 'll go and tell [him]_{5819-your nephew} that [he]_{5819-your nephew} must get out of [the house]_{388-the house} in an hour . "_{[146-sir michael]} So in [that leafless avenue]_{1829-that leafless avenue} , under whose gloomy shade [George Talboys]_157-george had stood on that thunderous evening before the day of [his]_157-george disappearance , [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} told [[his]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} that [the Court]_{373-the court} was [no home for [him]_{5177-his nephew}]_{1832-no home for him} , and that [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} was too young and pretty to accept the attentions of [a handsome nephew of eight - and - twenty]_{1834-a handsome nephew of eight - and - twenty} . [Robert]_173-robert only shrugged [his]_173-robert shoulders and elevated [his]_173-robert thick , black eyebrows as [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} delicately hinted all this . " [I]_{146-sir michael} have been attentive to [[my]_{146-sir michael} lady]_{468-my lady} , "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} said . " [She]_{468-my lady} interests [me]_{146-sir michael} ; "_{[146-sir michael]} and then , with a change in [his]_{146-sir michael} voice , and an emotion not common to [him]_{146-sir michael} , [he]_{146-sir michael} turned to [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} , and grasping [his]_{465-the baronet} hand , exclaimed , " God forbid , [[my]_{146-sir michael} dear uncle]_{1023-my dear uncle} , that [I]_{146-sir michael} should ever bring trouble upon such a noble heart as [yours]_{465-the baronet} ! God forbid that the slightest shadow of dishonor should ever fall upon [your]_{465-the baronet} honored head — least of all through agency of [mine]_{146-sir michael} . "_{[146-sir michael]} [The young man]_{667-the young man} uttered these few words in a broken and disjointed fashion in which [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} had never heard [him]_{667-the young man} speak , before , and then turning away [his]_{667-the young man} head , fairly broke down . [He]_{667-the young man} left [the court]_{373-the court} that night , but [he]_{667-the young man} did not go far . Instead of taking [the evening train]_{1838-the evening train} for [London]_3-london , [he]_{667-the young man} went straight up to [the little village of]_{1839-the little village of} [Mount Stanning]_{222-mount stanning} , and walking into [the neatly - kept inn]_{1840-the neatly - kept inn} , asked [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe if [he]_{667-the young man} could be accommodated with [apartments]_{1841-apartments} . [The little sitting - room into which [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe ushered [[the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's nephew]_{4893-the baronet 's nephew}]_{1842-the little sitting - room into which phoebe marks ushered the baronet 's nephew} was situated on the ground floor , and only separated by a lath - and - plaster partition from [the little bar - parlor occupied by [the innkeeper]_{1846-the innkeeper} and [[his]_{1846-the innkeeper} wife]_{554-his wife}]_{1845-the little bar - parlor occupied by the innkeeper and his wife} . It seemed as though [the wise architect who had superintended [the building of [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn}]_{1849-the building of the castle inn}]_{1848-the wise architect who had superintended the building of the castle inn} had taken especial care that nothing but the frailest and most flimsy material should be used , and that the wind , having a special fancy for [this unprotected spot]_{1851-this unprotected spot} , should have full play for the indulgence of [its]_{1595-the castle inn} caprices . To this end pitiful woodwork had been used instead of solid masonry ; rickety ceilings had been propped up by fragile rafters , and beams that threatened on every stormy night to fall upon the heads of [those beneath them]_{1852-those beneath them} ; doors whose specialty was never to be shut , yet always to be banging ; windows constructed with a peculiar view to letting in the draft when they were shut , and keeping out the air when they were open . [The hand of genius]_{1853-the hand of genius} had devised [this lonely country inn]_{1854-this lonely country inn} ; and there was not an inch of woodwork , or trowelful of plaster employed in all the rickety construction that did not offer its own peculiar weak point to every assault of its indefatigable foe . [Robert]_173-robert looked about [him]_173-robert with a feeble smile of resignation . It was a change , decidedly , from the luxurious comforts of [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} , and it was rather a strange fancy of [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} to prefer loitering at [this dreary village hostelry]_{1856-this dreary village hostelry} to returning to [[his]_{1846-the innkeeper} snug chambers in [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court}]_{1857-his snug chambers in figtree court} . But [he]_{1846-the innkeeper} had brought [his]_{1846-the innkeeper} Lares and [Penates]_220-penates with [him]_{1846-the innkeeper} , in the shape of [his]_{1846-the innkeeper} German pipe , [his]_{1846-the innkeeper} tobacco canister , half a dozen French novels , and [his]_{1846-the innkeeper} two ill - conditioned , canine favorites , which sat shivering before the smoky little fire , barking shortly and sharply now and then , by way of hinting for some slight refreshment . While [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert contemplated [[his]_173-robert new quarters]_{1858-his new quarters} , [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe summoned [a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for [her]_166-phoebe , and taking [him]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} into [the kitchen]_{1860-the kitchen}]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} , gave [him]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} a tiny note , carefully folded and sealed . " [You]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} know [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} ? "_{[1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen]} " Yes , [mum]_5828-mum . "_[166-phoebe] " If [you]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} 'll run [there]_374-there with this letter to - night , and see that it 's put safely in [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's hands , [I]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} 'll give [you]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} a shilling . "_{[1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen]} " Yes , [mum]_5828-mum . "_{[1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen]} " [You]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} understand ? Ask to see [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} ; [you]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} can say [you]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} 've a message — not a note , mind — but a message from [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe ; and when [you]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} see [her]_{468-my lady} , give this into [her]_{468-my lady} own hand . "_[166-phoebe] " Yes , [mum]_5828-mum . "_{[1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen]} " [You]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} wo n't forget ? "_{[1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen]} " No , [mum]_5828-mum . "_[166-phoebe] " Then be off with [you]_{1859-a little village lad who was in the habit of running errands for her , and taking him into the kitchen} . "_{[5049-the boy]} [The boy]_{5049-the boy} waited for no second bidding , but in another moment was scudding along [the lonely high road]_{1862-the lonely high road} , down the sharp descent that led to [Audley]_{150-lady audley} . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe went to the window , and looked out at [the black figure of [the lad hurrying through the dusky winter evening]_{1864-the lad hurrying through the dusky winter evening}]_{1863-the black figure of the lad hurrying through the dusky winter evening} . " If there 's any bad meaning in [his]_{5049-the boy} coming [here]_4776-here , "_[166-phoebe] [she]_166-phoebe thought , " [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} will know of it in time , at any rate . "_[166-phoebe] [Phoebe]_166-phoebe [herself]_166-phoebe brought the neatly arranged tea - tray , and the little covered dish of ham and eggs which had been prepared for this unlooked - for visitor . [Her]_166-phoebe pale hair was as smoothly braided , and [her]_166-phoebe light gray dress fitted as precisely as of old . The same neutral tints pervaded [her]_166-phoebe person and [her]_166-phoebe dress ; no showy rose - colored ribbons or rustling silk gown proclaimed [[the well - to - do innkeeper]_{1865-the well - to - do innkeeper} 's wife]_{1866-the well - to - do innkeeper 's wife} . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe was [a person who never lost [her]_166-phoebe individuality]_{1867-a person who never lost her individuality} . Silent and self - constrained , [she]_166-phoebe seemed to hold [herself]_166-phoebe within [herself]_166-phoebe , and take no color from [the outer world]_{1868-the outer world} . [Robert]_173-robert looked at [her]_166-phoebe thoughtfully as [she]_166-phoebe spread the cloth , and drew the table nearer to the fireplace . " That , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought , " is [a woman who could keep a secret]_{5836-a woman who could keep a secret} . "_[173-robert] The dogs looked rather suspiciously at the quiet figure of [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} gliding softly about [the room]_{595-the room} , from the teapot to [the caddy]_{1870-the caddy} , and from the caddy to the kettle singing on the hob . " Will [you]_{221-mrs. marks} pour out [my]_173-robert tea for [me]_173-robert , [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} ? "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , seating [himself]_173-robert on a horsehair - covered arm - chair , which fitted [him]_173-robert as tightly in every direction as if [he]_173-robert had been measured for it . " [You]_173-robert have come straight from [the Court]_{373-the court} , [sir]_900-sir ? "_[166-phoebe] said [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , as [she]_166-phoebe handed [Robert]_173-robert the sugar - basin . " Yes ; [I]_166-phoebe only left [[my]_166-phoebe uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's an hour ago . "_[166-phoebe] " And [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , [sir]_900-sir , was [she]_{468-my lady} quite well ? "_[166-phoebe] " Yes , quite well . "_[166-phoebe] " As gay and light - hearted as ever , [sir]_900-sir ? "_[166-phoebe] " As gay and light - hearted as ever . "_[166-phoebe] [Phoebe]_166-phoebe retired respectfully after having given [Mr. Audley]_173-robert [his]_173-robert tea , but as [she]_166-phoebe stood with [her]_166-phoebe hand upon the lock of the door [he]_173-robert spoke again . " [You]_173-robert knew [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} when [she]_{150-lady audley} was [Miss Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} , did [you]_173-robert not ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert asked . " Yes , [sir]_900-sir . [I]_173-robert lived at [Mrs. Dawson]_{154-mrs. dawson} 's when [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} was [governess there]_{5845-governess there} . "_[173-robert] " Indeed ! Was [she]_{468-my lady} long in [[the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} 's family]_{589-the surgeon 's family} ? "_[173-robert] " A year and a half , [sir]_900-sir . "_{[221-mrs. marks]} " And [she]_{468-my lady} came from [London]_3-london ? "_[173-robert] " Yes , [sir]_900-sir . "_[173-robert] " And [she]_{468-my lady} was [an orphan]_{5850-an orphan} , [I]_{221-mrs. marks} believe ? "_{[221-mrs. marks]} " Yes , [sir]_900-sir . "_[173-robert] " Always as cheerful as [she]_{468-my lady} is now ? "_[173-robert] " Always , [sir]_900-sir . "_{[221-mrs. marks]} [Robert]_173-robert emptied [his]_173-robert teacup and handed it to [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} . [Their]_1871-their eyes met — a lazy look in [his]_173-robert , and an active , searching glance in [hers]_{221-mrs. marks} . " [This woman]_{557-this woman} would be good in [a witness - box]_{5854-a witness - box} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought ; " it would take [a clever lawyer]_{5855-a clever lawyer} to bother [her]_{557-this woman} in a cross - examination . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert finished [his]_173-robert second cup of tea , pushed away [his]_173-robert plate , fed [his]_173-robert dogs , and lighted [his]_173-robert pipe , while [Phoebe]_166-phoebe carried off the tea - tray . The wind came whistling up across [the frosty open country]_{1872-the frosty open country} , and through [the leafless woods]_{1873-the leafless woods} , and rattled fiercely at the window - frames . " There 's a triangular draught from those two windows and the door that scarcely adds to the comfort of [this apartment]_{5856-this apartment} , "_[173-robert] murmured [Robert]_173-robert ; " and there certainly are pleasantér sensations than that of standing up to one 's knees in cold water . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert poked the fire , patted [his]_173-robert dogs , put on [his]_173-robert great coat , rolled a rickety old sofa close to the hearth , wrapped [his]_173-robert legs in [his]_173-robert railway rug , and stretching [himself]_173-robert at full length upon the narrow horsehair cushion , smoked [his]_173-robert pipe , and watched the bluish - gray wreaths curling upward to the dingy ceiling . " No , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert murmured , again ; " that is [a woman who can keep a secret]_{5857-a woman who can keep a secret} . [A counsel for the prosecution]_{5858-a counsel for the prosecution} could get very little out of [her]_{5857-a woman who can keep a secret} . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i have said that [the bar - parlor]_{1874-the bar - parlor} was only separated from [the sitting - room occupied by [Robert]_173-robert]_{1875-the sitting - room occupied by robert} by a lath - and - plaster partition . [The young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} could hear [the two or three village tradesmen]_{1877-the two or three village tradesmen} and [a couple of farmers]_{1878-a couple of farmers} laughing and talking round [the bar]_{4928-the bar} , while [Luke Marks]_167-luke served [them]_1880-them from [his]_167-luke stock of liquors . Very often [he]_173-robert could even hear [their]_1880-them words , especially [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} 's , for [he]_173-robert spoke in a coarse , loud voice , and had a more boastful manner than [any of [[his]_173-robert customers]_{1883-his customers}]_{1882-any of his customers} . " [The man]_{634-the man} is [a fool]_{4668-a fool} , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , as [he]_173-robert laid down [his]_173-robert pipe . " [I]_173-robert 'll go and talk to [him]_{634-the man} by - and - by . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert waited till [the few visitors to [the Castle]_{4914-the castle}]_{1884-the few visitors to the castle} had dropped away one by one , and when [Luke Marks]_167-luke had bolted the door upon [the last of [[his]_167-luke customers]_{1883-his customers}]_{1886-the last of his customers} , [he]_173-robert strolled quietly into [the bar - parlor]_{1874-the bar - parlor} , where [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} was seated with [[his]_{5144-the landlord} wife]_{554-his wife} . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe was busy at a little table , upon which stood a prim work - box , with every reel of cotton and glistening steel bodkin in [its]_{1874-the bar - parlor} appointed place . [She]_166-phoebe was darning the coarse gray stockings that adorned [[her]_166-phoebe husband]_{469-her husband} 's awkward feet , but [she]_166-phoebe did [her]_166-phoebe work as daintily as if they had been [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's delicate silken hose . [I]_0-i say that [she]_166-phoebe took no color from external things , and that the vague air of refinement that pervaded [her]_166-phoebe nature clung to [her]_166-phoebe as closely in the society of [[her]_166-phoebe boorish husband]_{1893-her boorish husband} at [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn} as in [[Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's boudoir at [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{1895-lady audley 's boudoir at the court} . [She]_166-phoebe looked up suddenly as [Robert]_173-robert entered [the bar - parlor]_{1874-the bar - parlor} . There was some shade of vexation in [her]_166-phoebe pale gray eyes , which changed to an expression of anxiety — nay , rather of almost terror — as [she]_166-phoebe glanced from [Mr. Audley]_173-robert to [Luke Marks]_167-luke . " [I]_173-robert have come in for a few minutes ' chat before [I]_173-robert go to bed , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , settling [himself]_173-robert very comfortably before the cheerful fire . " Would [you]_166-phoebe object to a cigar , [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} ? [I]_173-robert mean , of course , to [my]_173-robert smoking one , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert added , explanatorily . " Not at all , [sir]_900-sir . "_[173-robert] " It would be a good ' un [her]_166-phoebe objectin ' to a bit o ' ' bacca , "_[167-luke] growled [Mr. Marks]_167-luke , " when [me]_167-luke and [the customers]_{5862-the customers} smokes all day . "_[167-luke] [Robert]_173-robert lighted [his]_173-robert cigar with a gilt - paper match of [Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's making that adorned the chimney - piece , and took half a dozen reflective puffs before [he]_173-robert spoke . " [I]_173-robert want [you]_166-phoebe to tell [me]_173-robert all about [Mount Stanning]_{222-mount stanning} , [Mr. Marks]_167-luke , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , presently . " Then that 's pretty soon told , "_[167-luke] replied [Luke]_167-luke , with a harsh , grating laugh . " Of all the dull holes as ever [a man]_{445-a man} set foot in , this is about the dullest . Not that [the business]_{5864-the business} do n't pay pretty tidy ; [I]_173-robert do n't complain of that ; but [I]_173-robert should ha ' liked [a public at [Chelmsford]_{38-chelmsford}]_{5865-a public at chelmsford} , or [Brentwood]_65-brentwood , or [Romford]_66-romford , or some place where there 's a bit of life in [the streets]_{716-the streets} ; and [I]_173-robert might have had it , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert added , discontentedly , " if [folks]_5867-folks had n't been so precious stingy . "_[173-robert] As [[her]_1898-her husband]_{469-her husband} muttered this complaint in a grumbling undertone , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe looked up from [her]_166-phoebe work and spoke to [him]_{469-her husband} . " [We]_5868-we forgot the brew - house door , [Luke]_167-luke , "_[166-phoebe] [she]_166-phoebe said . " Will [you]_167-luke come with [me]_166-phoebe and help [me]_166-phoebe put up the bar ? "_[166-phoebe] " [The brew - house]_{5869-the brew - house} door can bide for to - night , "_[167-luke] said [Mr. Marks]_167-luke ; " [I]_173-robert ai n't agoin ' to move now . [I]_173-robert 've seated [myself]_173-robert for a comfortable smoke . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert took a long clay pipe from a corner of the fender as [he]_173-robert spoke , and began to fill it deliberately . " [I]_{554-his wife} do n't feel easy about that brew - house door , [Luke]_167-luke , "_{[554-his wife]} remonstrated [[his]_173-robert wife]_{554-his wife} ; " there are always [tramps]_5870-tramps about , and [they]_5870-tramps can get in easily when [the bar]_{4928-the bar} is n't up . "_{[554-his wife]} " Go and put the bar up [yourself]_167-luke , then , ca n't [you]_167-luke ? "_[167-luke] answered [Mr. Marks]_167-luke . " It 's too heavy for [me]_167-luke to lift . "_[167-luke] " Then let it bide , if [you]_167-luke 're too fine [a lady]_{1799-a lady} to see to it [yourself]_167-luke . [You]_167-luke 're very anxious all of a sudden about this [here brew - house]_{5873-here brew - house} door . [I]_{554-his wife} suppose [you]_167-luke do n't want [me]_{554-his wife} to open [my]_{554-his wife} mouth to this here gent , that 's about it . Oh , [you]_167-luke need n't frown at [me]_{554-his wife} to stop [my]_{554-his wife} speaking ! [You]_167-luke 're always putting in [your]_167-luke tongue and clipping off [my]_{554-his wife} words before [I]_{554-his wife} 've half said 'em ; but [I]_{554-his wife} wo n't stand it . "_{[554-his wife]} " Do [you]_167-luke hear ? [I]_166-phoebe wo n't stand it ! "_[166-phoebe] [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe shrugged [her]_166-phoebe shoulders , folded [her]_166-phoebe work , shut [her]_166-phoebe work - box , and crossing [her]_166-phoebe hands in [her]_166-phoebe lap , sat with [her]_166-phoebe gray eyes fixed upon [[her]_166-phoebe husband]_{469-her husband} 's bull - like face . " Then [you]_167-luke do n't particularly care to live at [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} ? "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , politely , as if anxious to change the conversation . " No , [I]_167-luke do n't , "_[167-luke] answered [Luke]_167-luke ; " and [I]_167-luke do n't care who knows it ; and , as [I]_167-luke said before , if [folks]_5867-folks had n't been so precious stingy , [I]_167-luke might have had a public in [a thrivin ' market town]_{5875-a thrivin ' market town} , instead of [this tumble - down old place , where [a man]_{445-a man} has [his]_{445-a man} hair blowed off [his]_{445-a man} head on a windy day]_{5876-this tumble - down old place , where a man has his hair blowed off his head on a windy day} . What 's fifty pound , or what 's a hundred pound — "_[167-luke] " [Luke]_167-luke ! [Luke]_167-luke ! "_[173-robert] " No , [you]_167-luke 're not goin' to stop [my]_167-luke mouth with all [your]_167-luke ' [Luke]_167-luke , [Lukes]_223-lukes ! ' "_[167-luke] answered [Mr. Marks]_167-luke to [[his]_167-luke wife]_{554-his wife} 's remonstrance . " [I]_167-luke say again , what 's a hundred pound ? "_[167-luke] " No , "_[173-robert] answered [Robert Audley]_173-robert , with wonderful distinctness , and addressing [his]_173-robert words to [Luke Marks]_167-luke , but fixing [his]_173-robert eyes upon [Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's anxious face . " What , indeed , is a hundred pounds to [a man possessed of the power which [you]_173-robert hold , or rather which [[your]_173-robert wife]_{4675-your wife} holds , over [the person in question]_{5880-the person in question}]_{5878-a man possessed of the power which you hold , or rather which your wife holds , over the person in question} . "_[173-robert] [Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's face , at all times almost colorless , seemed scarcely capable of growing paler ; but as [her]_166-phoebe eyelids drooped under [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's searching glance , a visible change came over the pallid hues of [her]_166-phoebe complexion . " A quarter to twelve , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , looking at [his]_173-robert watch . " Late hours for [such a quiet village as [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning}]_{5881-such a quiet village as mount stanning} . Good - night , [[my]_173-robert worthy host]_{5882-my worthy host} . Good - night , [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} . [You]_{221-mrs. marks} need n't send [me]_173-robert [my]_173-robert shaving water till nine o'clock to - morrow morning . "_[173-robert] Eleven o'clock struck the next morning , and found [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert still lounging over the well ordered little breakfast table , with one of [his]_173-robert dogs at each side of [his]_173-robert arm - chair , regarding [him]_173-robert with watchful eyes and opened mouths , awaiting the expected morsel of ham or toast . [Robert]_173-robert had a county paper on [his]_173-robert knees , and made a feeble effort now and then to read the first page , which was filled with advertisements of farming stock , quack medicines , and other interesting matter . The weather had changed , and the snow , which had for the last few days been looming blackly in the frosty sky , fell in great feathery flakes against the windows , and lay piled in the little bit of garden - ground without . [The long , lonely road]_{1903-the long , lonely road} leading toward [Audley]_{150-lady audley} seemed untrodden by a footstep , as [Robert Audley]_173-robert looked out at [the wintry landscape]_{1904-the wintry landscape} . " Lively , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " for [a man used to the fascinations of [Temple Bar]_{67-temple bar}]_{5883-a man used to the fascinations of temple bar} . "_[173-robert] As [he]_173-robert watched the snow - flakes falling every moment thicker and faster upon [the lonely road]_{1905-the lonely road} , [he]_173-robert was surprised by seeing a brougham driving slowly up [the hill]_{1906-the hill} . " [I]_173-robert wonder what [unhappy wretch]_{5884-unhappy wretch} has too restless a spirit to stop at [home]_479-home on such a morning as this , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert muttered , as [he]_173-robert returned to the arm - chair by the fire . [He]_173-robert had only reseated [himself]_173-robert a few moments when [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe entered [the room]_{595-the room} to announce [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} ! Pray beg [her]_{150-lady audley} to come in , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert ; and then , as [Phoebe]_166-phoebe left [the room]_{595-the room} to usher in [this unexpected visitor]_{1909-this unexpected visitor} , [he]_173-robert muttered between [his]_173-robert teeth—"A false move , [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} , and one [I]_173-robert never looked for from [you]_{468-my lady} . "_[173-robert] [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy was radiant on this cold and snowy January morning . [Other people]_{1822-other people} 's noses are rudely assailed by the sharp fingers of [the grim ice - king]_{1911-the grim ice - king} , but not [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's ; [other people]_{1822-other people} 's lips turn pale and blue with the chilling influence of the bitter weather , but [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's pretty little rosebud of a mouth retained its brightest coloring and cheeriest freshness . [She]_197-lucy was wrapped in the very sables which [Robert Audley]_173-robert had brought from [Russia]_68-russia , and carried a muff that [the young man]_{667-the young man} thought seemed almost as big as [herself]_197-lucy . [She]_197-lucy looked [a childish , helpless , babyfied little creature]_{1916-a childish , helpless , babyfied little creature} ; and [Robert]_173-robert looked down upon [her]_197-lucy with some touch of pity in [his]_173-robert eyes , as [she]_197-lucy came up to the hearth by which [he]_173-robert was standing , and warmed [her]_197-lucy tiny gloved hands at the blaze . " What a morning , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ! "_[197-lucy] [she]_197-lucy said , " what a morning ! "_[197-lucy] " Yes , indeed ! Why did [you]_{667-the young man} come out in such weather ? "_[173-robert] " Because [I]_0-i wished to see [you]_{667-the young man} — particularly . "_[0-i] " Indeed ! "_[197-lucy] " Yes , "_[197-lucy] said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , with an air of considerable embarrassment , playing with the button of [her]_197-lucy glove , and almost wrenching it off in [her]_197-lucy restlessness—"yes , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , [I]_197-lucy felt that [you]_173-robert had not been well treated ; that — that [you]_173-robert had , in short , reason to complain ; and that an apology was due to [you]_173-robert . "_[197-lucy] " [I]_197-lucy do not wish for any apology , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_[197-lucy] " But [you]_173-robert are entitled to one , "_{[468-my lady]} answered [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , quietly . " Why , [[my]_{468-my lady} dear]_{4626-my dear} [Robert]_173-robert , should [we]_5888-we be so ceremonious toward [each other]_{4890-each other} ? [You]_173-robert were very comfortable at [Audley]_{150-lady audley} ; [we]_5888-we were very glad to have [you]_173-robert [there]_374-there ; but , [[my]_{468-my lady} dear , silly husband]_{5891-my dear , silly husband} must needs take it into [his]_{5891-my dear , silly husband} foolish head that it is dangerous for [[his]_{5891-my dear , silly husband} poor little wife]_{5892-his poor little wife} 's peace of mind to have [a nephew of eight or nine and twenty]_{5893-a nephew of eight or nine and twenty} smoking [his]_{5893-a nephew of eight or nine and twenty} cigars in [her]_{5892-his poor little wife} boudoir , and , behold ! [[our]_5888-we pleasant little family circle]_{5894-our pleasant little family circle} is broken up . "_{[468-my lady]} [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy spoke with that peculiar childish vivacity which seemed so natural to [her]_197-lucy , [Robert]_173-robert looking down almost sadly at [her]_197-lucy bright , animated face . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " Heaven forbid that either [you]_{150-lady audley} or [I]_173-robert should ever bring grief or dishonor upon [[my]_173-robert uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's generous heart ! Better , perhaps , that [I]_173-robert should be out of [the house]_{388-the house} — better , perhaps , that [I]_173-robert had never entered it ! "_[173-robert] [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} had been looking at the fire while [[her]_{468-my lady} nephew]_{5188-her nephew} spoke , but at [his]_173-robert last words [she]_{468-my lady} lifted [her]_{468-my lady} head suddenly , and looked [him]_173-robert full in the face with a wondering expression — an earnest , questioning gaze , whose full meaning [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} understood . " Oh , pray do not be alarmed , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , gravely . " [You]_{150-lady audley} have no sentimental nonsense , no silly infatuation , borrowed from [Balzac]_224-balzac or Dumas fils , to fear from [me]_173-robert . [The benchers of the Inner Temple]_{5897-the benchers of the inner temple} will tell [you]_{150-lady audley} that [Robert Audley]_173-robert is troubled with none of [the epidemics whose outward signs are turn - down collars and Byronic neckties]_{5898-the epidemics whose outward signs are turn - down collars and byronic neckties} . [I]_173-robert say that [I]_173-robert wish [I]_173-robert had never entered [[[my]_173-robert uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's house]_{5900-my uncle 's house} during the last year ; but [I]_173-robert say it with a far more solemn meaning than any sentimental one . "_[173-robert] [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} shrugged [her]_{468-my lady} shoulders . " If [you]_173-robert insist on talking in enigmas , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said , " [you]_173-robert must forgive [a poor little woman]_{5721-a poor little woman} if [she]_{5721-a poor little woman} declines to answer [them]_5902-them . "_{[468-my lady]} [Robert]_173-robert made no reply to this speech . " But tell [me]_{468-my lady} , "_{[468-my lady]} said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , with an entire change of tone , " what could have induced [you]_173-robert to come up to [this dismal place]_{5903-this dismal place} ? "_{[468-my lady]} " Curiosity . "_{[468-my lady]} " Curiosity ? "_{[468-my lady]} " Yes ; [I]_{468-my lady} felt an interest in [that bull - necked man , with the dark - red hair and wicked gray eyes]_{5904-that bull - necked man , with the dark - red hair and wicked gray eyes} . [A dangerous man]_{5905-a dangerous man} , [[my]_{468-my lady} lady]_{468-my lady} — [a man in whose power [I]_{468-my lady} should not like to be]_{5907-a man in whose power i should not like to be} . "_{[468-my lady]} A sudden change came over [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's face ; the pretty , roseate flush faded out from [her]_{150-lady audley} cheeks , and left them waxen white , and angry flashes lightened in [her]_{150-lady audley} blue eyes . " What have [I]_{150-lady audley} done to [you]_1924-you , [Robert Audley]_173-robert , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} cried , passionately—"what have [I]_{150-lady audley} done to [you]_1924-you that [you]_1924-you should hate [me]_{150-lady audley} so ? "_{[150-lady audley]} [He]_1924-you answered [her]_{150-lady audley} very gravely : " [I]_1924-you had [a friend]_{5908-a friend} , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , whom [I]_1924-you loved very dearly , and since [I]_1924-you have lost [him]_{5908-a friend} [I]_1924-you fear that [my]_1924-you feelings toward [other people]_{1822-other people} are strangely embittered . "_[1924-you] " [You]_1924-you mean [the Mr. Talboys]_157-george who went to [Australia]_11-australia ? "_{[150-lady audley]} " Yes , [I]_{150-lady audley} mean [the Mr. Talboys who [I]_{150-lady audley} was told set out for [Liverpool]_6-liverpool with the idea of going to [Australia]_11-australia]_{225-the mr. talboys who i was told set out for liverpool with the idea of going to australia} . "_{[150-lady audley]} " And [you]_1924-you do not believe in [his]_{5908-a friend} having sailed for [Australia]_11-australia ? "_[1924-you] " [I]_{150-lady audley} do not . "_{[150-lady audley]} " But why not ? "_{[150-lady audley]} " Forgive [me]_1924-you , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , if [I]_1924-you decline to answer that question . "_[1924-you] " As [you]_1924-you please , "_[1925-she] [she]_1925-she said , carelessly . " A week after [[my]_173-robert friend]_{836-my friend} disappeared , "_[173-robert] continued [Robert]_173-robert , " [I]_173-robert posted an advertisement to the [Sydney]_5-sydney and [Melbourne]_10-melbourne papers , calling upon [him]_{5908-a friend} if [he]_{5908-a friend} was in [either city]_{5911-either city} when the advertisement appeared , to write and tell [me]_173-robert of [his]_{5908-a friend} whereabouts , and also calling on [any one who had met [him]_{5908-a friend} , either in [the colonies]_{623-the colonies} or on the voyage out , to give [me]_173-robert any information respecting [him]_{5908-a friend}]_{5912-any one who had met him , either in the colonies or on the voyage out , to give me any information respecting him} . [George Talboys]_157-george left [Essex]_2-essex , or disappeared from [Essex]_2-essex , on the 6th of September last . [I]_173-robert ought to receive some answer to this advertisement by the end of this month . To - day is the 27th ; the time draws very near . "_[173-robert] " And if [you]_173-robert receive no answer ? "_{[150-lady audley]} asked [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . " If [I]_{150-lady audley} receive no answer [I]_{150-lady audley} shall think that [my]_{150-lady audley} fears have been not unfounded , and [I]_{150-lady audley} shall do [my]_{150-lady audley} best to act . "_{[150-lady audley]} " What do [you]_173-robert mean by that ? "_[1924-you] " Ah , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , [you]_{150-lady audley} remind [me]_173-robert how very powerless [I]_173-robert am in this matter . [[My]_173-robert friend]_{836-my friend} might have been made away with in [this very inn]_{5915-this very inn} , and [I]_173-robert might stay [here]_4776-here for a twelvemonth , and go away at the last as ignorant of [his]_{836-my friend} fate as if [I]_173-robert had never crossed the threshold . What do [we]_5917-we know of the mysteries that may hang about [the houses [we]_5917-we enter]_{5918-the houses we enter} ? If [I]_173-robert were to go to - morrow into [that commonplace , plebeian , eight - roomed house in which [Maria Manning]_{226-maria manning}]_{5919-that commonplace , plebeian , eight - roomed house in which maria manning} and [[her]_5920-her husband]_{469-her husband} murdered [[their]_5920-her guest]_{5922-their guest} , [I]_173-robert should have no awful prescience of that bygone horror . Foul deeds have been done under the most hospitable roofs ; terrible crimes have been committed amid the fairest scenes , and have left no trace upon the spot where they were done . [I]_173-robert do not believe in mandrake , or in bloodstains that no time can efface . [I]_173-robert believe rather that [we]_5917-we may walk unconsciously in an atmosphere of crime , and breathe none the less freely . [I]_173-robert believe that [we]_5917-we may look into the smiling face of [a murderer]_{5923-a murderer} , and admire its tranquil beauty . "_[173-robert] [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} laughed at [Robert]_173-robert 's earnestness . " [You]_173-robert seem to have quite a taste for discussing these horrible subjects , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said , rather scornfully ; " [you]_173-robert ought to have been [a detective police officer]_{5924-a detective police officer} . "_{[468-my lady]} " [I]_173-robert sometimes think [I]_173-robert should have been [a good one]_{5925-a good one} . "_[173-robert] " Why ? "_[173-robert] " Because [I]_{468-my lady} am patient . "_{[468-my lady]} " But to return to [Mr. George Talboys]_157-george , whom [we]_5917-we lost sight of in [your]_173-robert eloquent discussion . What if [you]_173-robert receive no answer to [your]_173-robert advertisements ? "_[173-robert] " [I]_173-robert shall then consider [myself]_173-robert justified in concluding [[my]_173-robert friend]_{836-my friend} is dead . "_[173-robert] " Yes , and then — ? "_{[468-my lady]} " [I]_173-robert shall examine the effects [he]_157-george left at [[my]_173-robert chambers]_{860-my chambers} . "_[173-robert] " Indeed ! and what are they ? Coats , waistcoats , varnished boots , and meerschaum pipes , [I]_{150-lady audley} suppose , "_{[150-lady audley]} said [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , laughing . " No ; letters — letters from [[his]_157-george friends]_{4853-his friends} , [[his]_157-george old schoolfellows]_{5929-his old schoolfellows} , [[his]_157-george father]_{709-his father} , [[his]_157-george brother]_{5199-his brother} [officers]_{5932-officers} . "_{[150-lady audley]} " Yes ? "_[173-robert] " Letters , too , from [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} . "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} was silent for some few moments , looking thoughtfully at the fire . " Have [you]_0-i ever seen any of the letters written by [the late Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} ? "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} asked presently . " Never . [Poor soul]_{1056-poor soul} ! [her]_{181-george talboys} letters are not likely to throw much light upon [[my]_{468-my lady} friend]_{836-my friend} 's fate . [I]_{468-my lady} dare say [she]_{181-george talboys} wrote the usual womanly scrawl . There are [very few who write so charming and uncommon a hand as yours]_{5936-very few who write so charming and uncommon a hand as yours} , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_{[468-my lady]} " Ah , [you]_{150-lady audley} know [my]_{468-my lady} hand , of course . "_{[468-my lady]} " Yes , [I]_0-i know it very well indeed . "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} warmed [her]_{468-my lady} hands once more , and then taking up the big muff which [she]_{468-my lady} had laid aside upon a chair , prepared to take [her]_{468-my lady} departure . " [You]_0-i have refused to accept [my]_{468-my lady} apology , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said ; " but [I]_{468-my lady} trust [you]_0-i are not the less assured of [my]_{468-my lady} feelings toward [you]_0-i . "_{[468-my lady]} " Perfectly assured , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_[0-i] " Then good - by , and let [me]_{468-my lady} recommend [you]_0-i not to stay long in [this miserable draughty place]_{5937-this miserable draughty place} , if [you]_0-i do not wish to take rheumatism back to [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} . "_{[468-my lady]} " [I]_{468-my lady} shall return to [town]_864-town to - morrow morning to see after [my]_{468-my lady} letters . "_{[468-my lady]} " Then once more good - by . "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} held out [her]_{468-my lady} hand ; [he]_1929-he took it loosely in [his]_1929-he own . It seemed such a feeble little hand that [he]_1929-he might have crushed it in [his]_1929-he strong grasp , had [he]_1929-he chosen to be so pitiless . [He]_1929-he attended [her]_{468-my lady} to [[her]_{468-my lady} carriage]_{1930-her carriage} , and watched [it]_{1930-her carriage} as [it]_{1930-her carriage} drove off , not toward [Audley]_{150-lady audley} , but in the direction of [Brentwood]_65-brentwood , which was about six miles from [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} . About an hour and a half after this , as [Robert]_173-robert stood at the door of [the inn]_{5152-the inn} , smoking a cigar and watching the snow falling in [the whitened fields]_{1932-the whitened fields} opposite , [he]_173-robert saw the brougham drive back , empty this time , to the door of [the inn]_{5152-the inn} . " Have [you]_{1934-the coachman , who had stopped to call for a mug of hot spiced ale} taken [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} back to [the Court]_{373-the court} ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said to [the coachman , who had stopped to call for a mug of hot spiced ale]_{1934-the coachman , who had stopped to call for a mug of hot spiced ale} . " No , [sir]_900-sir ; [I]_173-robert 've just come from [the Brentwood station]_{5941-the brentwood station} . [[My]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} started for [London]_3-london by [the 12.40 train]_{5943-the 12.40 train} . "_[173-robert] " For [town]_864-town ? "_[173-robert] " Yes , [sir]_900-sir . "_[173-robert] " [[My]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} gone to [London]_3-london ! "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , as [he]_173-robert returned to [the little sitting - room]_{1224-the little sitting - room} . " Then [I]_173-robert 'll follow [her]_{468-my lady} by [the next train]_{5947-the next train} ; and if [I]_173-robert 'm not very much mistaken , [I]_173-robert know where to find [her]_{468-my lady} . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert packed [his]_173-robert portmanteau , paid [his]_173-robert bill , fastened [his]_173-robert dogs together with a couple of leathern collars and a chain , and stepped into the rumbling fly kept by [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn} for the convenience of [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} . [He]_173-robert caught [an express]_{4960-an express} that left [Brentwood]_65-brentwood at three o'clock , and settled [himself]_173-robert comfortably in a corner of [an empty first - class carriage]_{1938-an empty first - class carriage} , coiled up in a couple of railway rugs , and smoking a cigar in mild defiance of [the authorities]_{1939-the authorities} . It was exactly five minutes past four as [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert stepped out upon [the platform at [Shoreditch]_{70-shoreditch}]_{1940-the platform at shoreditch} , and waited placidly until such time as [his]_173-robert dogs and [his]_173-robert portmanteau should be delivered up to [the attendant porter who had called [[his]_173-robert cab]_{1942-his cab} , and undertaken the general conduct of [his]_173-robert affairs , with that disinterested courtesy which does such infinite credit to [a class of servitors who are forbidden to accept the tribute of [a grateful public]_{1944-a grateful public}]_{1943-a class of servitors who are forbidden to accept the tribute of a grateful public}]_{1941-the attendant porter who had called his cab , and undertaken the general conduct of his affairs , with that disinterested courtesy which does such infinite credit to a class of servitors who are forbidden to accept the tribute of a grateful public} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert waited with consummate patience for a considerable time ; but as [the express]_{1945-the express} was generally [a long train]_{1946-a long train} , and as there were [a great many passengers from [Norfolk]_60-norfolk]_{1947-a great many passengers from norfolk} carrying guns and pointers , and other paraphernalia of a critical description , it took a long while to make matters agreeable to [all claimants]_{1948-all claimants} , and even [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} 's seraphic indifference to mundane affairs nearly gave way . " Perhaps , when [that gentleman who is making such a noise about a pointer with liver - colored spots]_{5948-that gentleman who is making such a noise about a pointer with liver - colored spots} , has discovered the particular pointer and spots that [he]_{5948-that gentleman who is making such a noise about a pointer with liver - colored spots} wants — which happy combination of events scarcely seems likely to arrive — [they'll]_{5948-that gentleman who is making such a noise about a pointer with liver - colored spots} give [me]_{955-the barrister} [my]_{955-the barrister} luggage and let [me]_{955-the barrister} go . [The designing wretches]_{5949-the designing wretches} knew at a glance that [I]_{955-the barrister} was born to be imposed upon ; and that if [they]_{5949-the designing wretches} were to trample the life out of [me]_{955-the barrister} upon [this very platform]_{5950-this very platform} , [I]_{955-the barrister} should never have the spirit to bring an action against [the company]_{5951-the company} . "_{[955-the barrister]} Suddenly an idea seemed to strike [him]_173-robert , and [he]_173-robert left [the porter]_{1950-the porter} to struggle for the custody of [his]_173-robert goods , and walked round to the other side of [the station]_{1271-the station} . [He]_173-robert heard a bell ring , and looking at the clock , had remembered that the down train for [Colchester]_{39-colchester} started at this time . [He]_173-robert had learned what it was to have an earnest purpose since the disappearance of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} ; and [he]_173-robert reached [the opposite platform]_{1952-the opposite platform} in time to see [the passengers]_{672-the passengers} take [their]_{672-the passengers} seats . There was [one lady who had evidently only just arrived at [the station]_{1271-the station}]_{1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station} ; for [she]_{1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station} hurried on to [the platform]_{1421-the platform} at the very moment that [Robert]_173-robert approached [the train]_{1957-the train} , and almost ran against [that gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} in [her]_{1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station} haste and excitement . " [I]_{1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station} beg [your]_173-robert pardon , "_{[1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station]} [she]_{1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station} began , ceremoniously ; then raising [her]_{1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station} eyes from [Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's waistcoat , which was about on a level with [her]_{1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station} pretty face , [she]_{1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station} exclaimed , " [Robert]_173-robert , [you]_173-robert in [London]_3-london already ? "_{[1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station]} " Yes , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} ; [you]_173-robert were quite right ; [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn} is [a dismal place]_{5952-a dismal place} , and — "_{[1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station]} " [You]_173-robert got tired of it — [I]_{1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station} knew [you]_173-robert would . Please open the carriage door for [me]_{1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station} : [the train]_{1957-the train} will start in two minutes . "_{[1954-one lady who had evidently only just arrived at the station]} [Robert Audley]_173-robert was looking at [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's wife with rather a puzzled expression of countenance . " What does it mean ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought . " [She]_1960-her is altogether a different being to the wretched , helpless creature who dropped [her]_1960-her mask for a moment , and looked at [me]_173-robert with [her]_1960-her own pitiful face , in [the little room at [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning}]_{5954-the little room at mount stanning} , four hours ago . What has happened to cause the change ? "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert opened the door for [her]_1960-her while [he]_173-robert thought this , and helped [her]_1960-her to settle [herself]_1960-her in [her]_1960-her seat , spreading [her]_1960-her furs over [her]_1960-her knees , and arranging the huge velvet mantle in which [her]_1960-her slender little figure was almost hidden . " Thank [you]_173-robert very much ; how good [you]_173-robert are to [me]_1960-her , "_[1960-her] [she]_1960-her said , as [he]_173-robert did this . " [You]_173-robert will think [me]_1960-her very foolish to travel upon such a day , without [[my]_1960-her dear darling]_{5955-my dear darling} 's knowledge too ; but [I]_1960-her went up to [town]_864-town to settle [a very terrific milliner]_{5957-a very terrific milliner} 's bill , which [I]_1960-her did not wish [[my]_1960-her best of husbands]_{5958-my best of husbands} to see ; for , indulgent as [he]_173-robert is , [he]_173-robert might think [me]_1960-her extravagant ; and [I]_1960-her can not bear to suffer even in [his]_173-robert thoughts . "_[1960-her] " Heaven forbid that [you]_1960-her ever should , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert said , gravely . [She]_1960-her looked at [him]_173-robert for a moment with a smile , which had something defiant in its brightness . " Heaven forbid it , indeed , "_[1960-her] [she]_1960-her murmured . " [I]_1960-her do n't think [I]_1960-her ever shall . "_[1960-her] The second bell rung , and [the train]_{1957-the train} moved as [she]_1960-her spoke . The last [Robert Audley]_173-robert saw of [her]_1960-her was that bright defiant smile . " Whatever object brought [her]_1960-her to [London]_3-london has been successfully accomplished , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought . " Has [she]_1960-her baffled [me]_173-robert by some piece of [womanly jugglery]_{5959-womanly jugglery} ? Am [I]_173-robert never to get any nearer to the truth , but am [I]_173-robert to be tormented all [my]_173-robert life by vague doubts , and wretched suspicions , which may grow upon [me]_173-robert till [I]_173-robert become [a monomaniac]_{5960-a monomaniac} ? Why did [she]_1960-her come to [London]_3-london ? "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert was still mentally asking [himself]_173-robert this question as [he]_173-robert ascended the stairs in [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} , with one of [his]_173-robert dogs under each arm , and [his]_173-robert railway rugs over [his]_173-robert shoulder . [He]_173-robert found [[his]_173-robert chambers]_{4865-his chambers} in [their]_{4865-his chambers} accustomed order . [The geraniums]_{1963-the geraniums} had been carefully tended , and [the canaries]_{1964-the canaries} had retired for the night under cover of [a square of green baize]_{1965-a square of green baize} , testifying to the care of [honest Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} . [Robert]_173-robert cast a hurried glance round [the sitting - room]_{5373-the sitting - room} ; then setting down the dogs upon the hearth - rug , [he]_173-robert walked straight into [the little inner chamber which served as [his]_173-robert dressing - room]_{1967-the little inner chamber which served as his dressing - room} . It was in [this room]_{5247-this room} that [he]_173-robert kept disused portmanteaus , battered japanned cases , and other lumber ; and it was in [this room]_{5247-this room} that [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} had left [his]_173-robert luggage . [Robert]_173-robert lifted a portmanteau from the top of a large trunk , and kneeling down before it with a lighted candle in [his]_173-robert hand , carefully examined the lock . To all appearance it was exactly in the same condition in which [George]_{181-george talboys} had left it , when [he]_173-robert laid [his]_173-robert mourning garments aside and placed them in this shabby repository with all other memorials of [[his]_173-robert dead wife]_{5028-his dead wife} . [Robert]_173-robert brushed [his]_173-robert coat sleeve across the worn , leather - covered lid , upon which the initials G. T. were inscribed with big brass - headed nails ; but [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} , [the laundress]_{1316-the laundress} , must have been the most precise of [housewives]_{1972-housewives} , for neither the portmanteau nor the trunk were dusty . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert dispatched [a boy]_{472-a boy} to fetch [[his]_173-robert Irish attendant]_{1974-his irish attendant} , and paced up and down [[his]_173-robert sitting - room]_{1975-his sitting - room} waiting anxiously for [her]_{1974-his irish attendant} arrival . [She]_{1974-his irish attendant} came in about ten minutes , and , after expressing [her]_{1974-his irish attendant} delight in the return of " [the master]_{5961-the master} , "_{[1974-his irish attendant]} humbly awaited [his]_173-robert orders . " [I]_{1974-his irish attendant} only sent for [you]_173-robert to ask if [anybody]_706-anybody has been [here]_4776-here ; that is to say , if [anybody]_706-anybody has applied to [you]_173-robert for the key of [[my]_{1974-his irish attendant} rooms]_{5965-my rooms} to - day — [any lady]_{5345-any lady} ? "_{[1974-his irish attendant]} " [Lady]_1526-lady ? No , indeed , [yer]_173-robert honor ; there 's been [no lady]_{5968-no lady} for [the kay]_{5969-the kay} ; barrin ' it 's [the blacksmith]_{5970-the blacksmith} . "_{[1974-his irish attendant]} " [The blacksmith]_{5970-the blacksmith} ! "_{[202-mrs. maloney]} " Yes ; [the blacksmith [your]_173-robert honor]_{5972-the blacksmith your honor} ordered to come to - day . "_{[1974-his irish attendant]} " [I]_173-robert order [a blacksmith]_{5973-a blacksmith} ! "_[173-robert] exclaimed [Robert]_173-robert . " [I]_173-robert left a bottle of French brandy in the cupboard , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought , " and [Mrs. M.]_{227-mrs. m.} has been evidently enjoying [herself]_{202-mrs. maloney} . "_[173-robert] " Sure , and [the blacksmith]_{5970-the blacksmith} [your]_173-robert honor tould to see to the locks , "_{[202-mrs. maloney]} replied [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} . " It 's [him]_{634-the man} that lives down in [one of [the little streets]_{5976-the little streets} by [the bridge]_{5977-the bridge}]_{5975-one of the little streets by the bridge} , "_{[202-mrs. maloney]} [she]_{202-mrs. maloney} added , giving a very lucid description of [the man]_{634-the man} 's whereabouts . [Robert]_173-robert lifted [his]_173-robert eyebrows in mute despair . " If [you]_{202-mrs. maloney} 'll sit down and compose [yourself]_{202-mrs. maloney} , [Mrs. M.]_{227-mrs. m.} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said — [he]_173-robert abbreviated [her]_{202-mrs. maloney} name thus on principle , for the avoidance of unnecessary labor—"perhaps [we]_5978-we shall be able by and by to understand [each other]_{4890-each other} . [You]_{227-mrs. m.} say [a blacksmith]_{5973-a blacksmith} has been [here]_4776-here ? "_[173-robert] " Sure and [I]_173-robert did , [sir]_900-sir . "_[173-robert] " To - day ? "_[173-robert] " Quite correct , [sir]_900-sir . "_[173-robert] Step by step [Mr. Audley]_173-robert elicited the following information . [A locksmith]_{1977-a locksmith} had called upon [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} that afternoon at three o'clock , and had asked for the key of [[Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's chambers]_{1978-mr. audley 's chambers} , in order that [he]_{1977-a locksmith} might look to the locks of the doors , which [he]_{1977-a locksmith} stated were all out of repair . [He]_{1977-a locksmith} declared that [he]_{1977-a locksmith} was acting upon [Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's own orders , conveyed to [him]_{1977-a locksmith} by a letter from [the country]_{474-the country} , where [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} was spending [his]_{4994-the gentleman} Christmas . [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} , believing in the truth of this statement , had admitted [the man]_{634-the man} to [the chambers]_{1323-the chambers} , where [he]_{634-the man} stayed about half an hour . " But [you]_{202-mrs. maloney} were with [him]_{634-the man} while [he]_{634-the man} examined the locks , [I]_173-robert suppose ? "_[173-robert] [Mr. Audley]_173-robert asked . " Sure [I]_173-robert was , [sir]_900-sir , in and out , as [you]_900-sir may say , all the time , for [I]_173-robert 've been cleaning the stairs this afternoon , and [I]_173-robert took the opportunity to begin [my]_173-robert scouring while [the man]_{634-the man} was at work . "_[173-robert] " Oh , [you]_{202-mrs. maloney} were in and out all the time . If [you]_{202-mrs. maloney} could conveniently give [me]_{202-mrs. maloney} a plain answer , [Mrs. M.]_{227-mrs. m.} , [I]_{202-mrs. maloney} should be glad to know what was the longest time that [you]_{202-mrs. maloney} were out while [the locksmith]_{5986-the locksmith} was in [[my]_{202-mrs. maloney} chambers]_{860-my chambers} ? "_{[202-mrs. maloney]} But [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} could not give a plain answer . It might have been ten minutes ; though [she]_{202-mrs. maloney} did n't think it was as much . It might have been a quarter of an hour ; but [she]_{202-mrs. maloney} was sure it was n't more . It did n't seem to [her]_{202-mrs. maloney} more than five minutes , but " thim stairs , [[your]_173-robert honor]_{5988-your honor} ; "_{[202-mrs. maloney]} and here [she]_{202-mrs. maloney} rambled off into a disquisition upon the scouring of stairs in general , and the stairs outside [[Robert]_173-robert 's chambers]_{1983-robert 's chambers} in particular . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert sighed the weary sigh of mournful resignation . " Never mind , [Mrs. M.]_{227-mrs. m.} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said ; " [the locksmith]_{5986-the locksmith} had plenty of time to do anything [he]_{5986-the locksmith} wanted to do , [I]_173-robert dare say , without [your]_{227-mrs. m.} being any the wiser . "_[173-robert] [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} stared at [[her]_{202-mrs. maloney} employer]_{542-her employer} with mingled surprise and alarm . " Sure , there was n't anything for [him]_{5986-the locksmith} to stale , [[your]_{227-mrs. m.} honor]_{5988-your honor} , barrin ' the birds and [the geran'ums]_{5991-the geran'ums} , and — "_{[202-mrs. maloney]} " No , no , [I]_173-robert understand . There , that 'll do , [Mrs. M.]_{227-mrs. m.} Tell [me]_173-robert where [the man]_{634-the man} lives , and [I]_173-robert 'll go and see [him]_{634-the man} . "_[173-robert] " But [you]_173-robert 'll have a bit of dinner first , [sir]_900-sir ? "_{[202-mrs. maloney]} " [I]_{542-her employer} 'll go and see [the locksmith]_{5986-the locksmith} before [I]_{542-her employer} have [my]_{542-her employer} dinner . "_{[542-her employer]} [He]_{542-her employer} took up [his]_{542-her employer} hat as [he]_{542-her employer} announced [his]_{542-her employer} determination , and walked toward the door . " [The man]_{634-the man} 's address , [Mrs. M]_{228-mrs. m} ? "_{[542-her employer]} [The Irishwoman]_{1985-the irishwoman} directed [him]_{542-her employer} to [a small street at the back of [St. Bride 's Church]_{71-st. bride 's church}]_{1986-a small street at the back of st. bride 's church} , and [thither Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert quietly strolled , through [the miry slush which [simple Londoners]_{1988-simple londoners} call snow]_{1987-the miry slush which simple londoners call snow} . [He]_{542-her employer} found [the locksmith]_{5986-the locksmith} , and , at the sacrifice of the crown of [his]_{542-her employer} hat , contrived to enter the low , narrow doorway of [a little open shop]_{1990-a little open shop} . A jet of gas was flaring in the unglazed window , and there was a very merry party in [the little room behind [the shop]_{1992-the shop}]_{1991-the little room behind the shop} ; but [no one]_{507-no one} responded to [Robert]_173-robert 's " Hulloa ! "_[173-robert] The reason of this was sufficiently obvious . [The merry party]_{1994-the merry party} was so much absorbed in its own merriment as to be deaf to all commonplace summonses from [the outer world]_{1868-the outer world} ; and it was only when [Robert]_173-robert , advancing further into [the cavernous little shop]_{1996-the cavernous little shop} , made so bold as to open the half - glass door which separated [him]_173-robert from [the merry - makers]_{1997-the merry - makers} , that [he]_173-robert succeeded in obtaining [their]_{1997-the merry - makers} attention . A very jovial picture of [the Teniers school]_{1998-the teniers school} was presented to [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert upon the opening of this door . [The locksmith]_{5986-the locksmith} , with [[his]_{5986-the locksmith} wife]_{554-his wife} and [family]_2001-family , and [two or three droppers - in of the female sex]_{2002-two or three droppers - in of the female sex} , were clustered about a table , which was adorned by two bottles ; not vulgar bottles of that colorless extract of the juniper berry , much affected by [the masses]_{2003-the masses} ; but of bona fide port and sherry — fiercely strong sherry , which left a fiery taste in the mouth , nut - brown sherry — rather unnaturally brown , if anything — and fine old port ; no sickly vintage , faded and thin from excessive age : but a rich , full - bodied wine , sweet and substantial and high colored . [The locksmith]_{5986-the locksmith} was speaking as [Robert Audley]_173-robert opened the door . " And with that , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " [she]_{554-his wife} walked off , as graceful as [you]_{554-his wife} please . "_[173-robert] [The whole party]_{2005-the whole party} was thrown into confusion by the appearance of [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , but it was to be observed that [the locksmith]_{5986-the locksmith} was more embarrassed than [[his]_{5986-the locksmith} companions]_{2007-his companions} . [He]_{5986-the locksmith} set down [his]_{5986-the locksmith} glass so hurriedly , that [he]_{5986-the locksmith} spilt [his]_{5986-the locksmith} wine , and wiped [his]_{5986-the locksmith} mouth nervously with the back of [his]_{5986-the locksmith} dirty hand . " [You]_{554-his wife} called at [[my]_173-robert chambers]_{860-my chambers} to - day , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert said , quietly . " Do n't let [me]_173-robert disturb [you]_{554-his wife} , [ladies]_5997-ladies . "_[173-robert] This to [the droppers - in]_{2008-the droppers - in} . " [You]_{634-the man} called at [[my]_{634-the man} chambers]_{860-my chambers} to - day , [Mr. White]_{229-mr. white} , and — "_{[634-the man]} [The man]_{634-the man} interrupted [him]_{634-the man} . " [I]_{634-the man} hope , [sir]_900-sir , [you]_900-sir will be so good as to look over the mistake , "_{[634-the man]} [he]_{634-the man} stammered . " [I]_{634-the man} 'm sure , [sir]_900-sir , [I]_{634-the man} 'm very sorry it should have occurred . [I]_{634-the man} was sent for to [[another gentleman]_{6001-another gentleman} 's chambers]_{6002-another gentleman 's chambers} , [Mr. Aulwin]_{230-mr. aulwin} , in [Garden Court]_{72-garden court} ; and the name slipped [my]_{634-the man} memory ; and havin' done odd jobs before for [you]_900-sir , [I]_{634-the man} thought it must be [you]_900-sir as wanted [me]_{634-the man} to - day ; and [I]_{634-the man} called at [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} 's for the key accordin ' ; but directly [I]_{634-the man} see the locks in [[your]_900-sir chambers]_{6003-your chambers} , [I]_{634-the man} says to [myself]_{634-the man} , [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} 's locks ai n't out of order ; [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} do n't want all [his]_{4994-the gentleman} locks repaired . "_{[634-the man]} " But [you]_900-sir stayed half an hour . "_[173-robert] " Yes , [sir]_900-sir ; for there was one lock out of order — the door nighest [the staircase]_{6007-the staircase} — and [I]_173-robert took it off and cleaned it and put it on again . [I]_173-robert wo n't charge [you]_900-sir nothin' for the job , and [I]_173-robert hope as [you]_900-sir 'll be as good as to look over the mistake as has occurred , which [I]_173-robert 've been in business thirteen years come July , and — "_[173-robert] " Nothing of this kind ever happened before , [I]_173-robert suppose , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , gravely . " No , it 's altogether a singular kind of business , not likely to come about every day . [You]_900-sir 've been enjoying [yourself]_900-sir this evening [I]_173-robert see , [Mr. White]_{229-mr. white} . [You]_900-sir 've done a good stroke of work to - day , [I]_173-robert 'll wager — made a lucky hit , and [you]_900-sir 're what [you]_900-sir call ' standing treat , ' eh ? "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert looked straight into [the man]_{634-the man} 's dingy face as [he]_173-robert spoke . [The locksmith]_{5986-the locksmith} was not [a bad - looking fellow]_{2012-a bad - looking fellow} , and there was nothing that [he]_{5986-the locksmith} need have been ashamed of in [his]_{5986-the locksmith} face , except the dirt , and that , as [[Hamlet]_231-hamlet 's mother]_{2013-hamlet 's mother} says , " is common ; "_[231-hamlet] but in spite of this , [Mr. White]_{229-mr. white} 's eyelids dropped under [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} 's calm scrutiny , and [he]_{229-mr. white} stammered out some apologetic sort of speech about [his]_{229-mr. white} " missus , "_{[229-mr. white]} and [[his]_{229-mr. white} missus ' neighbors]_{2015-his missus ' neighbors} , and port wine and sherry wine , with as much confusion as if [he]_{229-mr. white} , [an honest mechanic in [a free country]_{2017-a free country}]_{2016-an honest mechanic in a free country} , were called upon to excuse [himself]_{229-mr. white} to [Robert Audley]_173-robert for being caught in the act of enjoying [himself]_{229-mr. white} in [[his]_{229-mr. white} own parlor]_{2018-his own parlor} . [Robert]_173-robert cut [him]_{229-mr. white} short with a careless nod . " Pray do n't apologize , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said ; " [I]_173-robert like to see [people]_572-people enjoy [themselves]_572-people . Good - night , [Mr. White]_{6009-mr. white} good - night , [ladies]_5997-ladies . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert lifted [his]_173-robert hat to " [the missus]_{6011-the missus} , "_{[6011-the missus]} and [[the missus]_{6011-the missus} ' neighbors]_{2020-the missus ' neighbors} , who were much fascinated by [his]_173-robert easy manner and [his]_173-robert handsome face , and left [the shop]_{1992-the shop} . " And so , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert muttered to [himself]_173-robert as [he]_173-robert went back to [[his]_173-robert chambers]_{4865-his chambers} , " ' with that [she]_{6011-the missus} walked off as graceful as [you]_5997-ladies please . 'Who was it that walked off ; and what was the story which [the locksmith]_{5986-the locksmith} was telling when [I]_173-robert interrupted [him]_173-robert at that sentence ? Oh , [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , am [I]_173-robert ever to come any nearer to the secret of [your]_{181-george talboys} fate ? Am [I]_173-robert coming nearer to it now , slowly but surely ? Is the radius to grow narrower day by day until it draws a dark circle around [the home of those [I]_173-robert love]_{6013-the home of those i love} ? How is it all to end ? "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert sighed wearily as [he]_173-robert walked slowly back across [the flagged quadrangles in [the Temple]_{4856-the temple}]_{2023-the flagged quadrangles in the temple} to [[his]_173-robert own solitary chambers]_{2025-his own solitary chambers} . [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} had prepared for [him]_173-robert that [bachelor]_{2026-bachelor} 's dinner , which , however excellent and nutritious in itself , has no claim to the special charm of novelty . [She]_{202-mrs. maloney} had cooked for [him]_173-robert a mutton - chop , which was soddening itself between two plates upon the little table near the fire . [Robert Audley]_173-robert sighed as [he]_173-robert sat down to the familiar meal , remembering [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's cook with a fond , regretful sorrow . " [Her]_{202-mrs. maloney} cutlets a la Maintenon made mutton seem more than mutton ; a sublimated meat that could scarcely have grown upon any mundane sheep , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert murmured sentimentally , " and [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} 's chops are apt to be tough ; but such is life — what does it matter ? "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert pushed away [his]_173-robert plate impatiently after eating a few mouthfuls . " [I]_173-robert have never eaten a good dinner at this table since [I]_173-robert lost [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said . " [The place]_{385-the place} seems as gloomy as if [the poor fellow]_{5680-the poor fellow} had died in [the next room]_{4946-the next room} , and had never been taken away to be buried . How long ago that September afternoon appears as [I]_173-robert look back at it — that September afternoon upon which [I]_173-robert parted with [him]_{5680-the poor fellow} alive and well ; and lost [him]_{5680-the poor fellow} as suddenly and unaccountably as if a trap - door had opened in the solid earth and let [him]_{5680-the poor fellow} through to the antipodes ! "_[173-robert] [Mr. Audley]_173-robert rose from the dinner - table and walked over to the cabinet in which [he]_173-robert kept the document [he]_173-robert had drawn up relating to [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . [He]_173-robert unlocked the doors of [his]_173-robert cabinet , took the paper from the pigeon - hole marked important , and seated [himself]_173-robert at [his]_173-robert desk to write . [He]_173-robert added several paragraphs to those in the document , numbering the fresh paragraphs as carefully as [he]_173-robert had numbered the old ones . " Heaven help [us]_6017-us all , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert muttered once ; " is this paper with which [no attorney]_{6018-no attorney} has had any hand to be [my]_173-robert first brief ? "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert wrote for about half an hour , then replaced the document in the pigeon - hole , and locked the cabinet . When [he]_173-robert had done this , [he]_173-robert took a candle in [his]_173-robert hand , and went into [the room in which were [his]_173-robert own portmanteaus]_{2028-the room in which were his own portmanteaus} and the trunk belonging to [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . [He]_173-robert took a bunch of keys from [his]_173-robert pocket , and tried them one by one . The lock of the shabby old trunk was a common one , and at the fifth trial the key turned easily . " There 'd be no need for [any one to break open such a lock as this]_{6019-any one to break open such a lock as this} , "_[173-robert] muttered [Robert]_173-robert , as [he]_173-robert lifted the lid of the trunk . [He]_173-robert slowly emptied it of its contents , taking out each article separately , and laying it carefully upon a chair by [his]_173-robert side . [He]_173-robert handled the things with a respectful tenderness , as if [he]_173-robert had been lifting the dead body of [[his]_173-robert lost friend]_{2029-his lost friend} . One by one [he]_173-robert laid the neatly folded mourning garments on the chair . [He]_173-robert found old meerschaum pipes , and soiled , crumpled gloves that had once been fresh from [the Parisian maker]_{2030-the parisian maker} ; old play - bills , whose biggest letters spelled the names of [actors who were dead and gone]_{2031-actors who were dead and gone} ; old perfume - bottles , fragrant with essences , whose fashion had passed away ; neat little parcels of letters , each carefully labeled with the name of [the writer]_{2032-the writer} ; fragments of old newspapers ; and a little heap of shabby , dilapidated books , each of which tumbled into as many pieces as a pack of cards in [Robert]_173-robert 's incautious hand . But among all the mass of worthless litter , each scrap of which had once had its separate purpose , [Robert Audley]_173-robert looked in vain for that which [he]_173-robert sought — the packet of letters written to [the missing man]_{2033-the missing man} by [[his]_173-robert dead wife]_{5028-his dead wife} [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} . [He]_173-robert had heard [George]_{181-george talboys} allude more than once to the existence of these letters . [He]_173-robert had seen [him]_173-robert once sorting the faded papers with a reverent hand ; and [he]_173-robert had seen [him]_173-robert replace them , carefully tied together with a faded ribbon which had once been [Helen]_{179-helen talboys} 's , among the mourning garments in the trunk . Whether [he]_173-robert had afterward removed them , or whether they had been removed since [his]_173-robert disappearance by some other hand , it was not easy to say ; but they were gone . [Robert Audley]_173-robert sighed wearily as [he]_173-robert replaced the things in the empty box , one by one , as [he]_173-robert had taken them out . [He]_173-robert stopped with the little heap of tattered books in [his]_173-robert hand , and hesitated for a moment . " [I]_173-robert will keep these out , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert muttered , " there may be something to help [me]_173-robert in one of them . "_[173-robert] [[George]_{181-george talboys} 's library]_{2035-george 's library} was no very brilliant collection of literature . There was an old Greek Testament and the Eton Latin Grammar ; a French pamphlet on the cavalry sword - exercise ; an odd volume of [Tom Jones]_{232-tom jones} with one half of its stiff leather cover hanging to it by a thread ; [Byron]_160-byron 's Don Juan , printed in a murderous type , which must have been invented for the special advantage of [oculists and opticians]_{2036-oculists and opticians} ; and a fat book in a faded gilt and crimson cover . [Robert Audley]_173-robert locked the trunk and took the books under [his]_173-robert arm . [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} was clearing away the remains of [his]_173-robert repast when [he]_173-robert returned to [the sitting - room]_{5373-the sitting - room} . [He]_173-robert put the books aside on a little table in a corner of [the fire - place]_{1466-the fire - place} , and waited patiently while [the laundress]_{1316-the laundress} finished [her]_{1316-the laundress} work . [He]_173-robert was in no humor even for [[his]_173-robert meerschaum consoler]_{2040-his meerschaum consoler} ; the yellow - papered fictions on the shelves above [his]_173-robert head seemed stale and profitless — [he]_173-robert opened a volume of Balzac , but [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's wife 's golden curls danced and trembled in a glittering haze , alike upon the metaphysical diablerie of [the Peau de Chagrin]_{73-the peau de chagrin} , and the hideous social horrors of " [Cousine Bette]_{233-cousine bette} . "_{[202-mrs. maloney]} The volume dropped from [his]_173-robert hand , and [he]_173-robert sat wearily watching [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} as [she]_{202-mrs. maloney} swept up the ashes on the hearth , replenished the fire , drew the dark damask curtains , supplied the simple wants of the canaries , and put on [her]_{202-mrs. maloney} bonnet in [[the disused clerk]_{2042-the disused clerk} 's office]_{2043-the disused clerk 's office} , prior to bidding [[her]_{202-mrs. maloney} employer]_{542-her employer} good - night . As the door closed upon [the Irishwoman]_{1985-the irishwoman} , [he]_173-robert arose impatiently from [his]_173-robert chair , and paced up and down [the room]_{595-the room} . " Why do [I]_173-robert go on with this , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " when [I]_173-robert know that it is leading [me]_173-robert , step by step , day by day , hour by hour , nearer to that conclusion which , of all others , [I]_173-robert should avoid ? Am [I]_173-robert tied to a wheel , and must [I]_173-robert go with its every revolution , let it take [me]_173-robert where it will ? Or can [I]_173-robert sit down here to - night and say [I]_173-robert have done [my]_173-robert duty to [[my]_173-robert missing friend]_{6020-my missing friend} , [I]_173-robert have searched for [him]_{6020-my missing friend} patiently , but [I]_173-robert have searched in vain ? Should [I]_173-robert be justified in doing this ? Should [I]_173-robert be justified in letting the chain which [I]_173-robert have slowly put together , link by link , drop at this point , or must [I]_173-robert go on adding fresh links to that fatal chain until the last rivet drops into its place and the circle is complete ? [I]_173-robert think , and [I]_173-robert believe , that [I]_173-robert shall never see [[my]_173-robert friend]_{836-my friend} 's face again ; and that no exertion of [mine]_173-robert can ever be of any benefit to [him]_{6020-my missing friend} . In plainer , crueler words [I]_173-robert believe [him]_{6020-my missing friend} to be dead . Am [I]_173-robert bound to discover how and where [he]_{6020-my missing friend} died ? or being , as [I]_173-robert think , on the road to that discovery , shall [I]_173-robert do a wrong to the memory of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} by turning back or stopping still ? What am [I]_173-robert to do?—what am [I]_173-robert to do ? "_[173-robert] [He]_2047-his rested [his]_2047-his elbows on [his]_2047-his knees , and buried [his]_2047-his face in [his]_2047-his hands . The one purpose which had slowly grown up in [his]_2047-his careless nature until it had become powerful enough to work a change in that very nature , made [him]_2047-his what [he]_2047-his had never been before — [a Christian]_{2048-a christian} ; conscious of [his]_2047-his own weakness ; anxious to keep to the strict line of duty ; fearful to swerve from the conscientious discharge of the strange task that had been forced upon [him]_2047-his ; and reliant on a stronger hand than [his]_2047-his own to point the way which [he]_2047-his was to go . Perhaps [he]_2047-his uttered [his]_2047-his first earnest prayer that night , seated by [[his]_2047-his lonely fireside]_{2049-his lonely fireside} , thinking of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . When [he]_2047-his raised [his]_2047-his head from that long and silent revery , [his]_2047-his eyes had a bright , determined glance , and every feature in [his]_2047-his face seemed to wear a new expression . " Justice to the dead first , "_[2047-his] [he]_2047-his said ; " mercy to [the living]_{6022-the living} afterward . "_[2047-his] [He]_2047-his wheeled [his]_2047-his easy - chair to the table , trimmed the lamp , and settled [himself]_2047-his to the examination of the books . [He]_2047-his took them up , one by one , and looked carefully through them , first looking at the page on which the name of [the owner]_{2050-the owner} is ordinarily written , and then searching for any scrap of paper which might have been left within the leaves . On the first page of the Eton Latin Grammar the name of [Master Talboys]_157-george was written in a prim , scholastic hand ; the French pamphlet had a careless G.T. scrawled on the cover in pencil , in [George]_157-george 's big , slovenly calligraphy : [the Tom Jones]_{232-tom jones} had evidently been bought at [a book - stall]_{2051-a book - stall} , and bore an inscription , dated March 14th , 1788 , setting forth that the book was a tribute of respect to [Mr. Thos . Scrowton]_{234-mr. thos . scrowton} , from [[his]_2047-his obedient servant]_{2052-his obedient servant} , [James Anderley]_{235-james anderley} ; [the Don Juan]_{236-the don juan} and the Testament were blank . [Robert Audley]_173-robert breathed more freely ; [he]_173-robert had arrived at the last but one of the books without any result whatever , and there only remained the fat gilt - and - crimson - bound volume to be examined before [his]_173-robert task was finished . It was an annual of the year 1845 . The copper - plate engravings of [lovely ladies , who had flourished in that day]_{2053-lovely ladies , who had flourished in that day} , were yellow and spotted with mildew ; the costumes grotesque and outlandish ; the simpering beauties faded and commonplace . Even the little clusters of verses ( in which [the poet]_{2054-the poet} 's feeble candle shed its sickly light upon the obscurities of [the artist]_{5336-the artist} 's meaning ) had an old - fashioned twang ; like music on a lyre , whose strings are slackened by the damps of time . [Robert Audley]_173-robert did not stop to read any of the mild productions . [He]_173-robert ran rapidly through the leaves , looking for any scrap of writing or fragment of a letter which might have been used to mark a place . [He]_2047-his found nothing but a bright ring of golden hair , of that glittering hue which is so rarely seen except upon the head of [a child]_{4759-a child} — a sunny lock , which curled as naturally as the tendril of a vine ; and was very opposite in texture , if not different in hue , to the soft , smooth tresses which [the landlady]_{4991-the landlady} at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor had given to [George Talboys]_157-george after [[his]_2047-his wife]_{554-his wife} 's death . [Robert Audley]_173-robert suspended [his]_173-robert examination of the book , and folded this yellow lock in a sheet of letter paper , which [he]_173-robert sealed with [his]_173-robert signet - ring , and laid aside , with the memorandum about [George Talboys]_157-george and [Alicia]_190-alicia 's letter , in the pigeon - hole marked important . [He]_173-robert was going to replace the fat annual among the other books , when [he]_173-robert discovered that the two blank leaves at the beginning were stuck together . [He]_173-robert was so determined to prosecute [his]_173-robert search to the very uttermost , that [he]_173-robert took the trouble to part these leaves with the sharp end of [his]_173-robert paper - knife , and [he]_173-robert was rewarded for [his]_173-robert perseverance by finding an inscription upon one of them . This inscription was in three parts , and in three different hands . The first paragraph was dated as far back as the year in which the annual had been published , and set forth that the book was the property of [a certain [Miss Elizabeth Ann Bince]_{237-miss bince} , who had obtained the precious volume as a reward for habits of order , and for obedience to [the authorities of [Camford House Seminary]_{74-camford house seminary} , [Torquay]_75-torquay]_{2060-the authorities of camford house seminary , torquay}]_{2059-a certain miss elizabeth ann bince , who had obtained the precious volume as a reward for habits of order , and for obedience to the authorities of camford house seminary , torquay} . The second paragraph was dated five years later , and was in the handwriting of [Miss Bince]_{237-miss bince} [herself]_{237-miss bince} , who presented the book , as a mark of undying affection and unfading esteem ( [Miss Bince]_{237-miss bince} was evidently of a romantic temperament ) to [[her]_{237-miss bince} beloved friend]_{2061-her beloved friend} , [Helen Maldon]_{238-helen maldon} . The third paragraph was dated September , 1853 , and was in the hand of [Helen Maldon]_{238-helen maldon} , who gave the annual to [George Talboys]_157-george ; and it was at the sight of this third paragraph that [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert 's face changed from its natural hue to a sickly , leaden pallor . " [I]_{667-the young man} thought it would be so , "_{[667-the young man]} said [the young man]_{667-the young man} , shutting the book with a weary sigh . " [God]_164-god knows [I]_{667-the young man} was prepared for the worst , and the worst has come . [I]_{667-the young man} can understand all now . [My]_{667-the young man} next visit must be to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} . [I]_{667-the young man} must place [the boy]_{5049-the boy} in better hands . "_{[667-the young man]} Among the packet of letters which [Robert Audley]_173-robert had found in [[George]_157-george 's trunk]_{2063-george 's trunk} , there was one labeled with the name of [[the missing man]_{2033-the missing man} 's father]_{2065-the missing man 's father} — [[the father]_{2066-the father} , who had never been too indulgent a friend to [[his]_{2066-the father} younger son]_{2068-his younger son} , and who had gladly availed [himself]_{2066-the father} of the excuse afforded by [George]_157-george 's imprudent marriage to abandon [the young man]_{667-the young man} to [his]_{2066-the father} own resources]_{2067-the father , who had never been too indulgent a friend to his younger son , and who had gladly availed himself of the excuse afforded by george 's imprudent marriage to abandon the young man to his own resources} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert had never seen [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} ; but [George]_157-george 's careless talk of [[his]_157-george father]_{709-his father} had given [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} some notion of [that gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} 's character . [He]_173-robert had written to [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} immediately after the disappearance of [George]_157-george , carefully wording [his]_173-robert letter , which vaguely hinted at [the writer]_{2032-the writer} 's fear of some foul play in the mysterious business ; and , after the lapse of several weeks , [he]_173-robert had received a formal epistle , in which [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} expressly declared that [he]_{239-mr. talboys} had washed [his]_{239-mr. talboys} hands of all responsibility in [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} son]_{4957-his son} [George]_157-george 's affairs upon [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's wedding - day ; and that [his]_{239-mr. talboys} absurd disappearance was only in character with [his]_{239-mr. talboys} preposterous marriage . The writer of this fatherly letter added in a postscript that if [George Talboys]_157-george had any low design of alarming [[his]_157-george friends]_{4853-his friends} by this pretended disappearance , and thereby playing on [their]_{4853-his friends} feelings with a view to pecuniary advantage , [he]_157-george was most egregiously deceived in the character of [those persons with whom [he]_157-george had to deal]_{2077-those persons with whom he had to deal} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert had answered this letter by a few indignant lines , informing [Mr. Talboys]_157-george that [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} son]_{4957-his son} was scarcely likely to hide [himself]_{4957-his son} for the furtherance of any deep - laid design on the pockets of [[his]_{4957-his son} relatives]_{2079-his relatives} , as [he]_{4957-his son} had left twenty thousand pounds in [[his]_{4957-his son} bankers]_{4913-his bankers} ' hands at the time of [his]_{4957-his son} disappearance . After dispatching this letter , [Robert]_173-robert had abandoned all thought of assistance from [the man who , in the natural course of things]_{2081-the man who , in the natural course of things} , should have been most interested in [George]_157-george 's fate ; but now that [he]_173-robert found [himself]_173-robert advancing every day some step nearer to the end that lay so darkly before [him]_173-robert , [his]_173-robert mind reverted to this heartlessly indifferent [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} . " [I]_173-robert will run into [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} after [I]_173-robert leave [Southampton]_{33-southampton} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " and see [this man]_{4719-this man} . If [he]_{4719-this man} is content to let [[his]_{4719-this man} son]_{4957-his son} 's fate rest a dark and cruel mystery to [all who knew [him]_{4719-this man}]_{6026-all who knew him} — if [he]_{4719-this man} is content to go down to [his]_{4719-this man} grave uncertain to the last of [this poor fellow]_{6027-this poor fellow} 's end — why should [I]_173-robert try to unravel the tangled skein , to fit the pieces of the terrible puzzle , and gather together the stray fragments which , when collected , may make such a hideous whole ? [I]_173-robert will go to [him]_{4719-this man} and lay [my]_173-robert darkest doubts freely before [him]_{4719-this man} . It will be for [him]_{4719-this man} to say what [I]_173-robert am to do . "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert started by an early express for [Southampton]_{33-southampton} . The snow lay thick and white upon [the pleasant country through which [he]_173-robert went]_{2082-the pleasant country through which he went} ; and [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} had wrapped [himself]_{5094-the young barrister} in so many comforters and railway rugs as to appear [a perambulating mass of woollen goods]_{2084-a perambulating mass of woollen goods} , rather than [a living member of a learned profession]_{2085-a living member of a learned profession} . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} looked gloomily out of the misty window , opaque with the breath of [himself]_{5094-the young barrister} and [an elderly Indian officer , who was [[his]_{5094-the young barrister} only companion]_{2087-his only companion} , and watched the fleeting landscape , which had a certain phantom - like appearance in its shroud of snow]_{2086-an elderly indian officer , who was his only companion , and watched the fleeting landscape , which had a certain phantom - like appearance in its shroud of snow} . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} wrapped [himself]_{5094-the young barrister} in the vast folds of [his]_{5094-the young barrister} railway rug , with a peevish shiver , and felt inclined to quarrel with the destiny which compelled [him]_{5094-the young barrister} to travel by [an early train]_{2088-an early train} upon a pitiless winter 's day . " Who would have thought that [I]_{5094-the young barrister} could have grown so fond of [the fellow]_{5483-the fellow} , "_{[5094-the young barrister]} [he]_{5094-the young barrister} muttered , " or feel so lonely without [him]_{5483-the fellow} ? [I]_{5094-the young barrister} 've a comfortable little fortune in the three per cents . ; [I]_{5094-the young barrister} 'm heir presumptive to [[my]_{5094-the young barrister} uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's title ; and [I]_{5094-the young barrister} know of [a certain dear little girl who , as [I]_{5094-the young barrister} think , would do [her]_{6030-a certain dear little girl who , as i think , would do her best to make me happy} best to make [me]_{5094-the young barrister} happy]_{6030-a certain dear little girl who , as i think , would do her best to make me happy} ; but [I]_{5094-the young barrister} declare that [I]_{5094-the young barrister} would freely give up all , and stand penniless in [the world]_{519-the world} to - morrow , if this mystery could be satisfactorily cleared away , and [George Talboys]_157-george could stand by [my]_{5094-the young barrister} side . "_{[5094-the young barrister]} [He]_{5094-the young barrister} reached [Southampton]_{33-southampton} between eleven and twelve o'clock , and walked across [the platform]_{1421-the platform} , with the snow drifting in [his]_{5094-the young barrister} face , toward [the pier]_{4715-the pier} and [the lower end of [the town]_{2092-the town}]_{2091-the lower end of the town} . The clock of [St. Michael 's Church]_{77-st. michael 's church} was striking twelve as [he]_{5094-the young barrister} crossed [the quaint old square in which that edifice stands]_{2093-the quaint old square in which that edifice stands} , and groped [his]_{5094-the young barrister} way through [the narrow streets]_{2094-the narrow streets} leading down to [the water]_{403-the water} . [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} had established [[his]_{182-mr. maldon} slovenly household gods]_{2096-his slovenly household gods} in [one of those dreary thoroughfares which [speculative builders]_{2098-speculative builders} love to raise upon [some miserable fragment of waste ground hanging to the skirts of [a prosperous town]_{2100-a prosperous town}]_{2099-some miserable fragment of waste ground hanging to the skirts of a prosperous town}]_{2097-one of those dreary thoroughfares which speculative builders love to raise upon some miserable fragment of waste ground hanging to the skirts of a prosperous town} . [Brigsome 's Terrace]_{78-brigsome 's terrace} was , perhaps , one of the most [dismal blocks of building that was ever composed of brick and mortar]_{2101-dismal blocks of building that was ever composed of brick and mortar} since [the first mason]_{2102-the first mason} plied [his]_{2102-the first mason} trowel and [the first architect]_{2103-the first architect} drew [his]_{2102-the first mason} plan . [The builder who had speculated in [the ten dreary eight - roomed prison - houses]_{2105-the ten dreary eight - roomed prison - houses}]_{2104-the builder who had speculated in the ten dreary eight - roomed prison - houses} had hung [himself]_{2104-the builder who had speculated in the ten dreary eight - roomed prison - houses} behind the parlor door of [an adjacent tavern]_{2106-an adjacent tavern} while the carcases were yet unfinished . [The man who had bought the brick and mortar skeletons]_{2107-the man who had bought the brick and mortar skeletons} had gone through [the bankruptcy court]_{2108-the bankruptcy court} while [the paper - hangers]_{2109-the paper - hangers} were still busy in [Brigsome 's Terrace]_{78-brigsome 's terrace} , and had whitewashed [his]_{2107-the man who had bought the brick and mortar skeletons} ceilings and [himself]_{2107-the man who had bought the brick and mortar skeletons} simultaneously . Ill luck and insolvency clung to [the wretched habitations]_{2110-the wretched habitations} . [The bailiff]_{2111-the bailiff} and [[the broker]_{2112-the broker} 's man]_{2113-the broker 's man} were as well known as [the butcher]_{2114-the butcher} and [the baker]_{2115-the baker} to [the noisy children who played upon the waste ground in front of the parlor windows]_{2116-the noisy children who played upon the waste ground in front of the parlor windows} . [Solvent tenants]_{2117-solvent tenants} were disturbed at unhallowed hours by the noise of ghostly furniture vans creeping stealthily away in the moonless night . [Insolvent tenants]_{2118-insolvent tenants} openly defied the collector of the water - rate from [[their]_{2118-insolvent tenants} ten - roomed strongholds]_{2119-their ten - roomed strongholds} , and existed for weeks without any visible means of procuring that necessary fluid . [Robert Audley]_173-robert looked about [him]_173-robert with a shudder as [he]_173-robert turned from [the waterside]_{2120-the waterside} into [this poverty - stricken locality]_{2121-this poverty - stricken locality} . [A child]_{4759-a child} 's funeral was leaving [one of [the houses]_{2124-the houses}]_{2123-one of the houses} as [he]_173-robert approached , and [he]_173-robert thought with a thrill of horror that if the little coffin had held [[George]_157-george 's son]_{2125-george 's son} , [he]_173-robert would have been in some measure responsible for [the boy]_{5049-the boy} 's death . " [The poor child]_{6032-the poor child} shall not sleep another night in this wretched hovel , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought , as [he]_173-robert knocked at the door of [[Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} 's house]_{2127-mr. maldon 's house} . " [He]_{6032-the poor child} is the legacy of [[my]_173-robert best friend]_{6033-my best friend} , and it shall be [my]_173-robert business to secure [his]_{6032-the poor child} safety . "_[173-robert] [A slipshod servant girl]_{2128-a slipshod servant girl} opened the door and looked at [Mr. Audley]_173-robert rather suspiciously as [she]_{2128-a slipshod servant girl} asked [him]_173-robert , very much through [her]_{2128-a slipshod servant girl} nose , what [he]_173-robert pleased to want . The door of [the little sitting room]_{2129-the little sitting room} was ajar , and [Robert]_173-robert could hear the clattering of knives and forks and the childish voice of little [George]_157-george prattling gayly . [He]_173-robert told [the servant]_{1203-the servant} that [he]_173-robert had come from [London]_3-london , that [he]_173-robert wanted to see [Master Talboys]_157-george , and that [he]_173-robert would announce [himself]_173-robert ; and walking past [her]_{2128-a slipshod servant girl} , without further ceremony [he]_173-robert opened the door of [the parlor]_{4803-the parlor} . [The girl]_{753-the girl} stared at [him]_173-robert aghast as [he]_173-robert did this ; and as if struck by some sudden and terrible conviction , threw [her]_{753-the girl} apron over [her]_{753-the girl} head and ran out into the snow . [She]_{753-the girl} darted across [the waste ground]_{2133-the waste ground} , plunged into [a narrow alley]_{2134-a narrow alley} , and never drew breath till [she]_{753-the girl} found [herself]_{753-the girl} upon the threshold of [a certain tavern called [the Coach and Horses]_{2136-the coach and horses}]_{2135-a certain tavern called the coach and horses} , and much affected by [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} . [[The lieutenant]_{2137-the lieutenant} 's faithful retainer]_{2138-the lieutenant 's faithful retainer} had taken [Robert Audley]_173-robert for [some new and determined collector of poor]_{2139-some new and determined collector of poor} 's rates — rejecting [that gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} 's account of [himself]_173-robert as an artful fiction devised for the destruction of [parochial defaulters]_{2141-parochial defaulters} — and had hurried off to give [[her]_{753-the girl} master]_{2142-her master} timely warning of [the enemy]_{2143-the enemy} 's approach . When [Robert]_173-robert entered [the sitting - room]_{5373-the sitting - room} [he]_173-robert was surprised to find [little George]_157-george seated opposite to [a woman who was doing the honors of a shabby repast , spread upon a dirty table - cloth , and flanked by a pewter beer measure]_{2145-a woman who was doing the honors of a shabby repast , spread upon a dirty table - cloth , and flanked by a pewter beer measure} . [The woman]_{5008-the woman} rose as [Robert]_173-robert entered , and courtesied very humbly to [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} . [She]_{5008-the woman} looked about fifty years of age , and was dressed in rusty widow 's weeds . [Her]_{5008-the woman} complexion was insipidly fair , and the two smooth bands of hair beneath [her]_{5008-the woman} cap were of that sunless , flaxen hue which generally accompanies pink cheeks and white eyelashes . [She]_{5008-the woman} had been [a rustic beauty]_{2148-a rustic beauty} , perhaps , in [her]_{5008-the woman} time , but [her]_{5008-the woman} features , although tolerably regular in their shape , had a mean , pinched look , as if they had been made too small for [her]_{5008-the woman} face . This defect was peculiarly noticeable in [her]_{5008-the woman} mouth , which was an obvious misfit for the set of teeth it contained . [She]_{5008-the woman} smiled as [she]_{5008-the woman} courtesied to [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , and [her]_{5008-the woman} smile , which laid bare the greater part of this set of square , hungry - looking teeth , by no means added to the beauty of [her]_{5008-the woman} personal appearance . " [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} is not at [home]_479-home , [sir]_900-sir , "_{[5008-the woman]} [she]_{5008-the woman} said , with insinuating civility ; " but if it 's for the water - rate , [he]_{182-mr. maldon} requested [me]_{5008-the woman} to say that — "_{[5008-the woman]} [She]_{5008-the woman} was interrupted by [little George Talboys]_157-george , who scrambled down from the high chair upon which [he]_157-george had been perched , and ran to [Robert Audley]_173-robert . " [I]_157-george know [you]_{5008-the woman} , "_[157-george] [he]_157-george said ; " [you]_{5008-the woman} came to [Ventnor]_26-ventnor with [the big gentleman]_{1083-the big gentleman} , and [you]_{5008-the woman} came [here]_4776-here once , and [you]_{5008-the woman} gave [me]_157-george some money , and [I]_157-george gave it to [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa to take care of , and [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa kept it , and [he]_6038-gran'pa always does . "_[157-george] [Robert Audley]_173-robert took [the boy]_{5049-the boy} in [his]_173-robert arms , and carried [him]_{5049-the boy} to a little table in the window . " Stand there , [Georgey]_{203-little georgey} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " [I]_173-robert want to have a good look at [you]_{203-little georgey} . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert turned [the boy]_{5049-the boy} 's face to the light , and pushed the brown curls off [his]_{5049-the boy} forehead with both hands . " [You]_{203-little georgey} are growing more like [[your]_{203-little georgey} father]_{914-your father} every day , [Georgey]_{203-little georgey} ; and [you]_{203-little georgey} 're growing quite [a man]_{445-a man} , too , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said ; " would [you]_{203-little georgey} like to go to [school]_6042-school ? "_[173-robert] " Oh , yes , please , [I]_{5049-the boy} should like it very much , "_{[5049-the boy]} [the boy]_{5049-the boy} answered , eagerly . " [I]_{5049-the boy} went to [school]_6042-school at [Miss Pevins]_{240-miss pevins} ' once — day - school , [you]_6044-you know — round the corner in [the next street]_{6045-the next street} ; but [I]_{5049-the boy} caught the measles , and [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa would n't let [me]_{5049-the boy} go any more , for fear [I]_{5049-the boy} should catch the measles again ; and [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa wo n't let [me]_{5049-the boy} play with [the little boys]_{6048-the little boys} in [the street]_{4740-the street} , because [they]_{6048-the little boys} 're [rude boys]_{6050-rude boys} ; [he]_6038-gran'pa said [blackguard boys]_{6051-blackguard boys} ; but [he]_6038-gran'pa said [I]_{5049-the boy} must n't say [blackguard boys]_{6051-blackguard boys} , because it 's naughty . [He]_6038-gran'pa says damn and devil , but [he]_6038-gran'pa says [he]_6038-gran'pa may because [he]_6038-gran'pa 's old . [I]_{5049-the boy} shall say damn and devil when [I]_{5049-the boy} 'm old ; and [I]_{5049-the boy} should like to go to [school]_6042-school , please , and [I]_{5049-the boy} can go to - day , if [you]_{5008-the woman} like ; [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} will get [my]_{5049-the boy} frocks ready , wo n't [you]_{5008-the woman} , [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} ? "_{[5049-the boy]} " Certainly , [Master Georgey]_187-georgey , if [[your]_187-georgey grandpapa]_{6054-your grandpapa} wishes it , "_{[5008-the woman]} [the woman]_{5008-the woman} answered , looking rather uneasily at [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert . " What on earth is the matter with [this woman]_{557-this woman} , "_[173-robert] thought [Robert]_173-robert as [he]_173-robert turned from [the boy]_{5049-the boy} to [the fair - haired widow]_{2154-the fair - haired widow} , who was edging [herself]_{2154-the fair - haired widow} slowly toward the table upon which [little George Talboys]_157-george stood talking to [[his]_157-george guardian]_{2155-his guardian} . " Does [she]_{557-this woman} still take [me]_{241-mrs. plowson} for [a tax - collector with inimical intentions toward these wretched goods and chattels]_{6056-a tax - collector with inimical intentions toward these wretched goods and chattels} ; or can the cause of [her]_{557-this woman} fidgety manner lie deeper still . That 's scarcely likely , though ; for whatever secrets [Lieutenant Maldon]_{242-lieutenant maldon} may have , it 's not very probable that [this woman]_{557-this woman} has any knowledge of them . "_{[241-mrs. plowson]} [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} had edged [herself]_{241-mrs. plowson} close to the little table by this time , and was making a stealthy descent upon [the boy]_{5049-the boy} , when [Robert]_173-robert turned sharply round . " What are [you]_{5008-the woman} going to do with [the child]_{5037-the child} ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said . " [I]_{5008-the woman} was only going to take [him]_{5037-the child} away to wash [his]_{5037-the child} pretty face , [sir]_900-sir , and smooth [his]_{5037-the child} hair , "_{[5008-the woman]} answered [the woman]_{5008-the woman} , in the most insinuating tone in which [she]_{5008-the woman} had spoken of the water - rate . " [You]_900-sir do n't see [him]_{5037-the child} to any advantage , [sir]_900-sir , while [his]_{5037-the child} precious face is dirty . [I]_{5008-the woman} wo n't be five minutes making [him]_{5037-the child} as neat as a new pin . "_{[5008-the woman]} [She]_{5008-the woman} had [her]_{5008-the woman} long , thin arms about [the boy]_{5049-the boy} as [she]_{5008-the woman} spoke , and [she]_{5008-the woman} was evidently going to carry [him]_{5049-the boy} off bodily , when [Robert]_173-robert stopped [her]_{5008-the woman} . " [I]_173-robert 'd rather see [him]_{5037-the child} as [he]_{5037-the child} is , thank [you]_{5008-the woman} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said . " [My]_173-robert time in [Southampton]_{33-southampton} is n't very long , and [I]_173-robert want to hear all that [the little man]_{6061-the little man} can tell [me]_173-robert . "_[173-robert] [The little man]_{6061-the little man} crept closer to [Robert]_173-robert , and looked confidingly into [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} 's gray eyes . " [I]_173-robert like [you]_{5008-the woman} very much , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said . " [I]_173-robert was frightened of [you]_{5008-the woman} when [you]_{5008-the woman} came before , because [I]_173-robert was shy . [I]_173-robert am not shy now — [I]_173-robert am nearly six years old . "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert patted [the boy]_{5049-the boy} 's head encouragingly , but [he]_173-robert was not looking at [little George]_157-george ; [he]_173-robert was watching [the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at [the patch of waste ground]_{2163-the patch of waste ground}]_{2162-the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at the patch of waste ground} . " [You]_{2162-the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at the patch of waste ground} 're rather fidgety about some one , [ma'am]_6062-ma'am , [I]_173-robert 'm afraid , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert . [She]_{2162-the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at the patch of waste ground} colored violently as [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} made this remark , and answered [him]_173-robert in a confused manner . " [I]_{2162-the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at the patch of waste ground} was looking for [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} , [sir]_900-sir , "_{[2162-the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at the patch of waste ground]} [she]_{2162-the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at the patch of waste ground} said ; " [he]_{182-mr. maldon} 'll be so disappointed if [he]_{182-mr. maldon} does n't see [you]_900-sir . "_{[2162-the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at the patch of waste ground]} " [You]_{2162-the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at the patch of waste ground} know who [I]_{2162-the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at the patch of waste ground} am , then ? "_{[2162-the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at the patch of waste ground]} " No , [sir]_900-sir , but — "_{[5049-the boy]} [The boy]_{5049-the boy} interrupted [her]_{2162-the fair - haired widow , who had moved to the window , and was looking out at the patch of waste ground} by dragging a little jeweled watch from [his]_{5049-the boy} bosom and showing it to [Robert]_173-robert . " This is the watch [the pretty lady]_{5515-the pretty lady} gave [me]_173-robert , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said . " [I]_173-robert 've got it now — but [I]_173-robert have n't had it long , because [the jeweler who cleans it]_{6066-the jeweler who cleans it} is [an idle man]_{6067-an idle man} , [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa says , and always keeps it such a long time ; and [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa says it will have to be cleaned again , because of the taxes . [He]_6038-gran'pa always takes it to be cleaned when there 's taxes — but [he]_6038-gran'pa says if [he]_6038-gran'pa were to lose it [the pretty lady]_{5515-the pretty lady} would give [me]_173-robert another . Do [you]_{5049-the boy} know [the pretty lady]_{5515-the pretty lady} ? "_[173-robert] " No , [Georgey]_187-georgey , but tell [me]_{241-mrs. plowson} about [her]_{5515-the pretty lady} . "_{[241-mrs. plowson]} [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} made another descent upon [the boy]_{5049-the boy} . [She]_{241-mrs. plowson} was armed with a pocket - handkerchief this time , and displayed great anxiety about the state of [little George]_157-george 's nose , but [Robert]_173-robert warded off the dreaded weapon , and drew [the child]_{5037-the child} away from [[his]_{5049-the boy} tormentor]_{2168-his tormentor} . " [The boy]_{5049-the boy} will do very well , [ma'am]_6062-ma'am , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " if [you]_6062-ma'am 'll be good enough to let [him]_{5049-the boy} alone for five minutes . Now , [Georgey]_187-georgey , suppose [you]_187-georgey sit on [my]_173-robert knee , and tell [me]_173-robert all about [the pretty lady]_{5515-the pretty lady} . "_[173-robert] [The child]_{5037-the child} clambered from the table onto [Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's knees , assisting [his]_{5049-the boy} descent by a very unceremonious manipulation of [[his]_{5049-the boy} guardian]_{2155-his guardian} 's coat - collar . " [I]_173-robert 'll tell [you]_6062-ma'am all about [the pretty lady]_{5515-the pretty lady} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " because [I]_{5049-the boy} like [you]_6062-ma'am very much . [Gran'pa]_243-gran'pa told [me]_{5049-the boy} not to tell [anybody]_706-anybody , but [I]_{5049-the boy} 'll tell [you]_6062-ma'am , [you]_6062-ma'am know , because [I]_{5049-the boy} like [you]_6062-ma'am , and because [you]_6062-ma'am 're going to take [me]_{5049-the boy} to [school]_6042-school . [The pretty lady]_{5515-the pretty lady} came [here]_4776-here one night — long ago — oh , so long ago , "_{[5049-the boy]} said [the boy]_{5049-the boy} , shaking [his]_{5049-the boy} head , with a face whose solemnity was expressive of some prodigious lapse of time . " [She]_{5515-the pretty lady} came when [I]_187-georgey was not nearly so big as [I]_187-georgey am now — and [she]_{5515-the pretty lady} came at night — after [I]_187-georgey 'd gone to bed , and [she]_{5515-the pretty lady} came up into [[my]_187-georgey room]_{6080-my room} , and sat upon the bed , and cried — and [she]_{5515-the pretty lady} left the watch under [my]_187-georgey pillow , and [she]_{5515-the pretty lady} — Why do [you]_{241-mrs. plowson} make faces at [me]_187-georgey , [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} ? [I]_187-georgey may tell [this gentleman]_{1183-this gentleman} , "_{[187-georgey]} [Georgey]_187-georgey added , suddenly addressing [the widow]_{2172-the widow} , who was standing behind [Robert]_173-robert 's shoulder . [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} mumbled some confused apology to the effect that [she]_{241-mrs. plowson} was afraid [Master George]_157-george was troublesome . " Suppose [you]_{241-mrs. plowson} wait till [I]_173-robert say so , [ma'am]_6062-ma'am , before [you]_{241-mrs. plowson} stop [the little fellow]_{5052-the little fellow} 's mouth , "_[173-robert] said [Robert Audley]_173-robert , sharply . " [A suspicious person]_{6084-a suspicious person} might think from [your]_{241-mrs. plowson} manner that [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} and [you]_{241-mrs. plowson} had some conspiracy between [you]_{241-mrs. plowson} , and that [you]_{241-mrs. plowson} were afraid of what [the boy]_{5049-the boy} 's talk may let slip . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert rose from [his]_173-robert chair , and looked full at [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} as [he]_173-robert said this . [The fair - haired widow]_{2154-the fair - haired widow} 's face was as white as [her]_{2154-the fair - haired widow} cap when [she]_{2154-the fair - haired widow} tried to answer [him]_173-robert , and [her]_{2154-the fair - haired widow} pale lips were so dry that [she]_{2154-the fair - haired widow} was compelled to wet them with [her]_{2154-the fair - haired widow} tongue before the words would come . [The little boy]_{5034-the little boy} relieved [her]_{2154-the fair - haired widow} embarrassment . " Do n't be cross to [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said . " [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} is very kind to [me]_173-robert . [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} is [[Matilda]_244-matilda 's mother]_{6086-matilda 's mother} . [You]_{241-mrs. plowson} do n't know [Matilda]_244-matilda . Poor [Matilda]_244-matilda was always crying ; [she]_244-matilda was ill , [she]_244-matilda — "_[173-robert] [The boy]_{5049-the boy} was stopped by the sudden appearance of [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} , who stood on the threshold of the parlor door staring at [Robert Audley]_173-robert with a half - drunken , half - terrified aspect , scarcely consistent with the dignity of [a retired naval officer]_{2176-a retired naval officer} . [The servant girl]_{2177-the servant girl} , breathless and panting , stood close behind [[her]_{2177-the servant girl} master]_{2142-her master} . Early in the day though it was , [the old man]_{694-the old man} 's speech was thick and confused , as [he]_{694-the old man} addressed [himself]_{694-the old man} fiercely to [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} . " [You]_{241-mrs. plowson} 're [a prett ' creature]_{6087-a prett ' creature} to call [[yoursel]_{241-mrs. plowson} ' [sensible woman]_{6089-sensible woman}]_{6088-yoursel ' sensible woman} ? "_{[694-the old man]} [he]_{694-the old man} said . " Why do n't [you]_{241-mrs. plowson} take th ' chile ' way , [er wash]_{6090-er wash} 's face ? [D'yer]_245-d'yer want to ruin [me]_{694-the old man} ? [D'yer]_245-d'yer want to ' stroy [me]_{694-the old man} ? Take th ' chile ' way ! [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , [sir]_900-sir , [I]_{694-the old man} 'm ver ' glad to see [yer]_173-robert ; ver ' ' appy to ' ceive [yer]_173-robert in [m]_{694-the old man} ' humbl ' ' bode , "_{[694-the old man]} [the old man]_{694-the old man} added with tipsy politeness , dropping into a chair as [he]_{694-the old man} spoke , and trying to look steadily at [[his]_{694-the old man} unexpected visitor]_{2181-his unexpected visitor} . " Whatever [this man]_{4719-this man} 's secrets are , "_[173-robert] thought [Robert]_173-robert , as [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} hustled [little George Talboys]_157-george out of [the room]_{595-the room} , " [that woman]_{6093-that woman} has no unimportant share of them . Whatever the mystery may be , it grows darker and thicker at every step ; but [I]_{241-mrs. plowson} try in vain to draw back or to stop short upon [the road]_{1231-the road} , for a stronger hand than [my]_{241-mrs. plowson} own is pointing the way to [[[my]_{241-mrs. plowson} lost friend]_{6095-my lost friend} 's unknown grave]_{6096-my lost friend 's unknown grave} . "_{[241-mrs. plowson]} " [I]_173-robert am going to take [[your]_{694-the old man} grandson]_{6097-your grandson} away with [me]_173-robert , [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert said gravely , as [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} retired with [[her]_{241-mrs. plowson} young charge]_{2183-her young charge} . [The old man]_{694-the old man} 's drunken imbecility was slowly clearing away like the heavy mists of a [London]_3-london fog , through which the feeble sunshine struggles dimly to appear . The very uncertain radiance of [Lieutenant Maldon]_{242-lieutenant maldon} 's intellect took a considerable time in piercing the hazy vapors of rum - and - water ; but the flickering light at last faintly glimmered athwart the clouds , and [the old man]_{694-the old man} screwed [his]_{694-the old man} poor wits to the sticking - point . " Yes , yes , "_{[242-lieutenant maldon]} [he]_{242-lieutenant maldon} said , feebly ; " take [the boy]_{5049-the boy} away from [[his]_{5049-the boy} poor old grandfather]_{6099-his poor old grandfather} ; [I]_{242-lieutenant maldon} always thought so . "_{[242-lieutenant maldon]} " [You]_{2137-the lieutenant} always thought that [I]_{242-lieutenant maldon} should take [him]_{5049-the boy} away ? "_{[242-lieutenant maldon]} scrutinizing [the half - drunken countenance]_{2186-the half - drunken countenance} with a searching glance . " Why did [you]_{2137-the lieutenant} think so , [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} ? "_{[242-lieutenant maldon]} The fogs of intoxication got the better of the light of sobriety for a moment , and [the lieutenant]_{2137-the lieutenant} answered vaguely : " Thought so—'cause [I]_{2137-the lieutenant} thought so . "_{[2137-the lieutenant]} Meeting [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} 's impatient frown , [he]_{242-lieutenant maldon} made another effort , and the light glimmered again . " Because [I]_{242-lieutenant maldon} thought [you]_{2137-the lieutenant} or [[his]_{5049-the boy} father]_{709-his father} would fetch ' [m]_{242-lieutenant maldon} away . "_{[242-lieutenant maldon]} " When [I]_{242-lieutenant maldon} was last in [this house]_{6101-this house} , [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} , [you]_{2137-the lieutenant} told [me]_{242-lieutenant maldon} that [George Talboys]_157-george had sailed for [Australia]_11-australia . "_{[242-lieutenant maldon]} " Yes , yes — [I]_{694-the old man} know , [I]_{694-the old man} know , "_{[694-the old man]} [the old man]_{694-the old man} answered , confusedly , shuffling [his]_{694-the old man} scanty limp gray hairs with [his]_{694-the old man} two wandering hands—"I know ; but [he]_{694-the old man} might have come back — mightn't [he]_{694-the old man} ? [He]_{694-the old man} was restless , and — and — queer in [his]_{694-the old man} mind , perhaps , sometimes . [He]_{694-the old man} might have come back . "_{[694-the old man]} [He]_{694-the old man} repeated this two or three times in feeble , muttering tones ; groping about on the littered mantle - piece for a dirty - looking clay pipe , and filling and lighting it with hands that trembled violently . [Robert Audley]_173-robert watched those poor , withered , tremulous fingers dropping shreds of tobacco upon the hearth rug , and scarcely able to kindle a lucifer for [their]_2190-their unsteadiness . Then walking once or twice up and down [the little room]_{2191-the little room} , [he]_173-robert left [the old man]_{694-the old man} to take a few puffs from [the great consoler]_{2193-the great consoler} . Presently [he]_173-robert turned suddenly upon [the half - pay lieutenant]_{5045-the half - pay lieutenant} with a dark solemnity in [his]_{694-the old man} handsome face . " [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} , "_{[694-the old man]} [he]_{694-the old man} said , slowly watching the effect of every syllable as [he]_{694-the old man} spoke , " [George Talboys]_157-george never sailed for [Australia]_11-australia — that [I]_{694-the old man} know . More than this , [he]_157-george never came to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} ; and the lie [you]_{182-mr. maldon} told [me]_{694-the old man} on the 8th of last September was dictated to [you]_{182-mr. maldon} by the telegraphic message which [you]_{182-mr. maldon} received on that day . "_{[694-the old man]} The dirty clay pipe dropped from the tremulous hand , and shivered against the iron fender , but [the old man]_{694-the old man} made no effort to find a fresh one ; [he]_{694-the old man} sat trembling in every limb , and looking , [Heaven]_201-heaven knows how piteously , at [Robert Audley]_173-robert . " The lie was dictated to [you]_{182-mr. maldon} , and [you]_{182-mr. maldon} repeated [your]_{182-mr. maldon} lesson . But [you]_{182-mr. maldon} no more saw [George Talboys]_157-george [here]_4776-here on the 7th of September than [I]_{694-the old man} see [him]_157-george in [this room]_{5247-this room} now . [You]_{182-mr. maldon} thought [you]_{182-mr. maldon} had burnt the telegraphic message , but [you]_{182-mr. maldon} had only burnt a part of it — the remainder is in [my]_{694-the old man} possession . "_{[694-the old man]} [Lieutenant Maldon]_{242-lieutenant maldon} was quite sober now . " What have [I]_{242-lieutenant maldon} done ? "_{[242-lieutenant maldon]} [he]_{242-lieutenant maldon} murmured , hopelessly . " Oh , [[my]_{242-lieutenant maldon} God]_{5536-my god} ! what have [I]_{242-lieutenant maldon} done ? "_{[242-lieutenant maldon]} " At two o'clock on the 7th of September last , "_{[694-the old man]} continued the pitiless , accusing voice , " [George Talboys]_157-george was seen alive and well at [a house in [Essex]_2-essex]_{6105-a house in essex} . "_{[694-the old man]} [Robert]_173-robert paused to see the effect of these words . They had produced no change in [the old man]_{694-the old man} . [He]_{694-the old man} still sat trembling from head to foot , and staring with the fixed and solid gaze of [some helpless wretch whose every sense is gradually becoming numbed by terror]_{2197-some helpless wretch whose every sense is gradually becoming numbed by terror} . " At two o'clock on that day , "_[173-robert] remarked [Robert Audley]_173-robert , " [[my]_173-robert poor friend]_{6106-my poor friend} was seen alive and well at — — , at [the house of which [I]_173-robert speak]_{6107-the house of which i speak} . From that hour to this [I]_173-robert have never been able to hear that [he]_{6106-my poor friend} has been seen by [any living creature]_{6108-any living creature} . [I]_173-robert have taken such steps as must have resulted in procuring the information of [his]_{6106-my poor friend} whereabouts , were [he]_{6106-my poor friend} alive . [I]_173-robert have done this patiently and carefully — at first , even hopefully . Now [I]_173-robert know that [he]_{6106-my poor friend} is dead . "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert had been prepared to witness some considerable agitation in [the old man]_{694-the old man} 's manner , but [he]_173-robert was not prepared for the terrible anguish , the ghastly terror , which convulsed [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} 's haggard face as [he]_{694-the old man} uttered the last word . " No , no , no , no , "_{[2137-the lieutenant]} reiterated [the lieutenant]_{2137-the lieutenant} , in a shrill , half - screaming voice ; " no , no ! For [God]_164-god 's sake , do n't say that ! Do n't think it — don't let [me]_{2137-the lieutenant} think it — don't let [me]_{2137-the lieutenant} dream of it ! Not dead — anything but dead ! Hidden away , perhaps — bribed to keep out of the way , perhaps ; but not dead — not dead — not dead ! "_{[2137-the lieutenant]} [He]_{694-the old man} cried these words aloud , like one beside [himself]_{694-the old man} , beating [his]_{694-the old man} hands upon [his]_{694-the old man} gray head , and rocking backward and forward in [his]_{694-the old man} chair . [His]_{694-the old man} feeble hands trembled no longer — they were strengthened by some convulsive force that gave them a new power . " [I]_173-robert believe , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , in the same solemn , relentless voice , " that [[my]_173-robert friend]_{836-my friend} left [Essex]_2-essex ; and [I]_173-robert believe [he]_{836-my friend} died on the 7th of September last . "_[173-robert] [The wretched old man]_{2200-the wretched old man} , still beating [his]_{2200-the wretched old man} hands among [his]_{2200-the wretched old man} thin gray hair , slid from [his]_{2200-the wretched old man} chair to the ground , and groveled at [Robert]_173-robert 's feet . " Oh ! no , no — for [God]_164-god 's , no ! "_{[2200-the wretched old man]} [he]_{2200-the wretched old man} shrieked hoarsely . " No ! [you]_173-robert do n't know what [you]_173-robert say — [you]_173-robert do n't know what [your]_173-robert words mean ! "_{[2200-the wretched old man]} " [I]_{694-the old man} know their weight and value only too well — as well as [I]_{694-the old man} see [you]_173-robert do , [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} . [God]_164-god help [us]_6110-us ! "_{[694-the old man]} " Oh , what am [I]_{694-the old man} doing ? what am [I]_{694-the old man} doing ? "_{[694-the old man]} muttered [the old man]_{694-the old man} , feebly ; then raising [himself]_{694-the old man} from the ground with an effort , [he]_{694-the old man} drew [himself]_{694-the old man} to [his]_{694-the old man} full height , and said , in a manner which was new to [him]_{694-the old man} , and which was not without a certain dignity of [his]_{694-the old man} own — that dignity which must be always attached to unutterable misery , in whatever form it may appear — [he]_{694-the old man} said , gravely : " [You]_173-robert have no right to come here and terrify [a man who has been drinking]_{6111-a man who has been drinking} , and who is not quite [himself]_{6111-a man who has been drinking} . [You]_173-robert have no right to do it , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . Even the — [the officer]_{6112-the officer} , [sir]_900-sir , who — who—. "_{[694-the old man]} [He]_{694-the old man} did not stammer , but [his]_{694-the old man} lips trembled so violently that [his]_{694-the old man} words seemed to be shaken into pieces by their motion . " [The officer]_{6112-the officer} , [I]_{694-the old man} repeat , [sir]_900-sir , who arrests [a — thief]_{6116-a — thief} , or a—. "_{[694-the old man]} [He]_{694-the old man} stopped to wipe [his]_{694-the old man} lips , and to still them if [he]_{694-the old man} could by doing so , which [he]_{694-the old man} could not . " [A thief]_{6117-a thief} or [a murderer]_{5923-a murderer} — "_{[694-the old man]} [His]_{694-the old man} voice died suddenly away upon the last word , and it was only by the motion of those trembling lips that [Robert]_173-robert knew what [he]_{694-the old man} meant . " Gives [him]_{694-the old man} warning , [sir]_900-sir , fair warning , that [he]_{694-the old man} may say nothing which shall commit [himself]_{694-the old man} — or — or — [other people]_{1822-other people} . The — the — law , [sir]_900-sir , has that amount of mercy for [a — a — suspected criminal]_{6122-a — a — suspected criminal} . But [you]_900-sir , [sir,—you]_{6123-sir,—you} come to [[my]_{694-the old man} house]_{6124-my house} , and [you]_900-sir come at a time when — when — contrary to [my]_{694-the old man} usual habits — which , as [people]_572-people will tell [you]_900-sir , are sober — [you]_900-sir take the opportunity to — terrify [me]_{694-the old man} — and it is not right , [sir]_900-sir — it is — "_{[694-the old man]} Whatever [he]_{694-the old man} would have said died away into inarticulate gasps , which seemed to choke [him]_{694-the old man} , and sinking into a chair , [he]_{694-the old man} dropped [his]_{694-the old man} face upon the table , and wept aloud . Perhaps in all the dismal scenes of domestic misery which had been acted in [those spare and dreary houses]_{2202-those spare and dreary houses} — in all the petty miseries , the burning shames , the cruel sorrows , the bitter disgraces which own poverty for [[their]_2203-their father]_{2204-their father} — there had never been such a scene as this . [An old man]_{2205-an old man} hiding [his]_{2205-an old man} face from the light of day , and sobbing aloud in [his]_{2205-an old man} wretchedness . [Robert Audley]_173-robert contemplated the painful picture with a hopeless and pitying face . " If [I]_173-robert had known this , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought , " [I]_173-robert might have spared [him]_{694-the old man} . It would have been better , perhaps , to have spared [him]_{694-the old man} . "_[173-robert] [The shabby room]_{2206-the shabby room} , the dirt , the confusion , the figure of [the old man]_{694-the old man} , with [his]_{2205-an old man} gray head upon the soiled tablecloth , amid the muddled débris of a wretched dinner , grew blurred before the sight of [Robert Audley]_173-robert as [he]_173-robert thought of [another man]_{2208-another man} , as old as [this one]_{2209-this one} , but , ah ! how widely different in every other quality ! [who might come by and by to feel the same , or even a worse anguish , and to shed , perhaps , yet bitterer tears]_{2210-who might come by and by to feel the same , or even a worse anguish , and to shed , perhaps , yet bitterer tears} . The moment in which the tears rose to [his]_173-robert eyes and dimmed the piteous scene before [him]_173-robert , was long enough to take [him]_173-robert back to [Essex]_2-essex , and to show [him]_173-robert the image of [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} , stricken by agony and shame . " Why do [I]_173-robert go on with this ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought ; " how pitiless [I]_173-robert am , and how relentlessly [I]_173-robert am carried on . It is not [myself]_173-robert ; it is the hand which is beckoning [me]_173-robert further and further upon [the dark road]_{6127-the dark road} , whose end [I]_173-robert dare not dream of . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert thought this , and a hundred times more than this , while [the old man]_{694-the old man} sat with [his]_{694-the old man} face still hidden , wrestling with [his]_{694-the old man} anguish , but without power to keep it down . " [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} , "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert said , after a pause , " [I]_173-robert do not ask [you]_{182-mr. maldon} to forgive [me]_173-robert for what [I]_173-robert have brought upon [you]_{182-mr. maldon} , for the feeling is strong within [me]_173-robert that it must have come to [you]_{182-mr. maldon} sooner or later — if not through [me]_173-robert , through some one else . There are — "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert stopped for a moment hesitating . The sobbing did not cease ; it was sometimes low , sometimes loud , bursting out with fresh violence , or dying away for an instant , but never ceasing . " There are some things which , as [people]_572-people say , can not be hidden . [I]_{694-the old man} think there is truth in that common saying which had its origin in that old worldly wisdom which [people]_572-people gathered from experience and not from books . If — if [I]_{694-the old man} were content to let [[my]_{694-the old man} friend]_{836-my friend} rest in [[his]_{836-my friend} hidden grave]_{6131-his hidden grave} , it is but likely that [some stranger who had never heard the name of [George Talboys]_157-george]_{6132-some stranger who had never heard the name of george talboys} , might fall by the remotest accident upon the secret of [his]_{836-my friend} death . To - morrow , perhaps ; or ten years hence , or in another generation , when the — the hand that wronged [him]_{836-my friend} is as cold as [his]_{836-my friend} own . If [I]_{694-the old man} could let the matter rest ; if — if [I]_{694-the old man} could leave [England]_7-england forever , and purposely fly from the possibility of ever coming across another clew to the secret , [I]_{694-the old man} would do it — [I]_{694-the old man} would gladly , thankfully do it — but [I]_{694-the old man} can not ! A hand which is stronger than [my]_{694-the old man} own beckons [me]_{694-the old man} on . [I]_{694-the old man} wish to take no base advantage of [you]_6133-you , less than of [all other people]_{6134-all other people} ; but [I]_{694-the old man} must go on ; [I]_{694-the old man} must go on . If there is any warning [you]_6133-you would give to [any one]_{5101-any one} , give it . If the secret toward which [I]_{694-the old man} am traveling day by day , hour by hour , involves [any one in whom [you]_6133-you have an interest]_{6136-any one in whom you have an interest} , let [that person]_{6137-that person} fly before [I]_{694-the old man} come to the end . Let [them]_{6137-that person} leave [this country]_{6138-this country} ; let [them]_{6137-that person} leave all who know [them]_{6137-that person} — all whose peace [their]_{6137-that person} wickedness has endangered ; let [them]_{6137-that person} go away — [they]_{6137-that person} shall not be pursued . But if [they]_{6137-that person} slight [your]_6133-you warning — if [they]_{6137-that person} try to hold [their]_{6137-that person} present position in defiance of what it will be in [your]_6133-you power to tell [them]_{6137-that person} — let [them]_{6137-that person} beware of [me]_{694-the old man} , for , when the hour comes , [I]_{694-the old man} swear that [I]_{694-the old man} will not spare [them]_{6137-that person} . "_{[694-the old man]} [The old man]_{694-the old man} looked up for the first time , and wiped [his]_{694-the old man} wrinkled face upon a ragged silk handkerchief . " [I]_{694-the old man} declare to [you]_6133-you that [I]_{694-the old man} do not understand [you]_6133-you , "_{[694-the old man]} [he]_{694-the old man} said . " [I]_{694-the old man} solemnly declare to [you]_6133-you that [I]_{694-the old man} can not understand ; and [I]_{694-the old man} do not believe that [George Talboys]_157-george is dead . "_{[694-the old man]} " [I]_173-robert would give ten years of [my]_173-robert own life if [I]_173-robert could see [him]_157-george alive , "_[173-robert] answered [Robert]_173-robert , sadly . " [I]_173-robert am sorry for [you]_6133-you , [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} — [I]_173-robert am sorry for all of [us]_6139-us . "_[173-robert] " [I]_{2137-the lieutenant} do not believe that [[my]_{2137-the lieutenant} son - in - law]_{5526-my son - in - law} is dead , "_{[2137-the lieutenant]} said [the lieutenant]_{2137-the lieutenant} ; " [I]_{2137-the lieutenant} do not believe that [the poor lad]_{5822-the poor lad} is dead . "_{[2137-the lieutenant]} [He]_{2137-the lieutenant} endeavored in a feeble manner to show to [Robert Audley]_173-robert that [his]_{2137-the lieutenant} wild outburst of anguish had been caused by [his]_{2137-the lieutenant} grief for the loss of [George]_157-george ; but the pretense was miserably shallow . [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} re - entered [the room]_{595-the room} , leading [little Georgey]_187-georgey , whose face shone with that brilliant polish which yellow [soap and friction can produce upon the human countenance]_{2216-soap and friction can produce upon the human countenance} . " [Dear heart]_{6142-dear heart} alive ! "_{[241-mrs. plowson]} exclaimed [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} , " what has [the poor old gentleman]_{6143-the poor old gentleman} been taking on about ? [We]_6144-we could hear [him]_{6143-the poor old gentleman} in [the passage]_{675-the passage} , sobbin ' awful . "_{[241-mrs. plowson]} [Little George]_{246-little george} crept up to [[his]_{246-little george} grandfather]_{5035-his grandfather} , and smoothed the wet and wrinkled face with [his]_{246-little george} pudgy hand . " Do n't cry , [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa , "_{[2137-the lieutenant]} [he]_{2137-the lieutenant} said , " do n't cry . [You]_6038-gran'pa shall have [my]_{5049-the boy} watch to be cleaned , and [the kind jeweler]_{6147-the kind jeweler} shall lend [you]_6038-gran'pa the money to pay [the taxman]_{6148-the taxman} while [he]_{6147-the kind jeweler} cleans the watch — [I]_{5049-the boy} do n't mind , [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa . Let 's go to [the jeweler]_{6150-the jeweler} , [the jeweler in [High street]_{6152-high street}]_{6151-the jeweler in high street} , [you]_6038-gran'pa know , with golden balls painted upon [his]_{6150-the jeweler} door , to show that [he]_{6150-the jeweler} comes from [Lombar]_79-lombar — [Lombardshire]_{80-lombardshire} , "_{[5049-the boy]} said [the boy]_{5049-the boy} , making a dash at the name . " Come , [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa . "_{[5049-the boy]} [The little fellow]_{5052-the little fellow} took the jeweled toy from [his]_{5052-the little fellow} bosom and made for the door , proud of being possessed of a talisman , which [he]_{5052-the little fellow} had seen so often made useful . " There are wolves at [Southampton]_{33-southampton} , "_{[5052-the little fellow]} [he]_{5052-the little fellow} said , with rather a triumphant nod to [Robert Audley]_173-robert . " [[My]_{5052-the little fellow} gran'pa]_{6154-my gran'pa} says when [he]_{6154-my gran'pa} takes [my]_{5052-the little fellow} watch that [he]_{6154-my gran'pa} does it to keep the wolf from the door . Are there wolves where [you]_{5037-the child} live ? "_{[5052-the little fellow]} [The young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} did not answer [the child]_{5037-the child} 's question , but stopped [him]_{5094-the young barrister} as [he]_{5094-the young barrister} was dragging [[his]_{5037-the child} grandfather]_{5035-his grandfather} toward the door . " [[Your]_{5037-the child} grandpapa]_{6054-your grandpapa} does not want the watch to - day , [Georgey]_187-georgey , "_{[5052-the little fellow]} [he]_{5052-the little fellow} said , gravely . " Why is [he]_{6154-my gran'pa} sorry , then ? "_{[187-georgey]} asked [Georgey]_187-georgey , naively ; " when [he]_{6154-my gran'pa} wants the watch [he]_{6154-my gran'pa} is always sorry , and beats [his]_{6154-my gran'pa} poor forehead [so"—the_{[5052-the little fellow]} boy]_{6156-so"—the boy} stopped to pantomime with [his]_{5035-his grandfather} small fists—"and says that [she]_6157-she — [the pretty lady]_{5515-the pretty lady} , [I]_{5035-his grandfather} think [he]_{6154-my gran'pa} means — uses [him]_{6154-my gran'pa} very hard , and that [he]_{6154-my gran'pa} ca n't keep the wolf from the door ; and then [I]_{5035-his grandfather} say , ' [Gran'pa]_243-gran'pa , have the watch ; ' and then [he]_{6154-my gran'pa} takes [me]_{5035-his grandfather} in [his]_{6154-my gran'pa} arms , and says , ' Oh , [[my]_{5035-his grandfather} blessed angel]_{6159-my blessed angel} ! how can [I]_{5035-his grandfather} rob [[my]_{5035-his grandfather} blessed angel]_{6159-my blessed angel} ? ' and then [he]_{6154-my gran'pa} cries , but not like to - day — not loud , [you]_6161-you know ; only tears running down [his]_{6154-my gran'pa} poor cheeks , not so that [you]_6161-you could hear [him]_{6154-my gran'pa} in [the passage]_{675-the passage} . "_{[5035-his grandfather]} Painful as [the child]_{5037-the child} 's prattle was to [Robert Audley]_173-robert , it seemed a relief to [the old man]_{694-the old man} . [He]_{694-the old man} did not hear [the boy]_{5049-the boy} 's talk , but walked two or three times up and down [the little room]_{2191-the little room} and smoothed [his]_{694-the old man} rumpled hair and suffered [his]_{694-the old man} cravat to be arranged by [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} , who seemed very anxious to find out the cause of [his]_{694-the old man} agitation . " [Poor dear old gentleman]_{6163-poor dear old gentleman} , "_{[241-mrs. plowson]} [she]_{241-mrs. plowson} said , looking at [Robert]_173-robert . " What has happened to upset [him]_{694-the old man} so ? "_{[241-mrs. plowson]} " [[His]_{694-the old man} son - in - law]_{5041-his son - in - law} is dead , "_[173-robert] answered [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , fixing [his]_173-robert eyes upon [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} 's sympathetic face . " [He]_{694-the old man} died , within a year and a half after the death of [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} , who lies buried in [Ventnor churchyard]_{6165-ventnor churchyard} . "_{[241-mrs. plowson]} The face into which [he]_173-robert was looking changed very slightly , but the eyes that had been looking at [him]_173-robert shifted away as [he]_173-robert spoke , and [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} was obliged to moisten [her]_{241-mrs. plowson} white lips with [her]_{241-mrs. plowson} tongue before [she]_{241-mrs. plowson} answered [him]_173-robert . " [Poor Mr. Talboys]_157-george dead ! "_{[241-mrs. plowson]} [she]_{241-mrs. plowson} said ; " that is bad news indeed , [sir]_900-sir . "_{[241-mrs. plowson]} [Little George]_{246-little george} looked wistfully up at [[his]_{246-little george} guardian]_{2155-his guardian} 's face as this was said . " Who 's dead ? "_{[246-little george]} [he]_{246-little george} said . " [George Talboys]_157-george is [my]_{246-little george} name . Who 's dead ? "_{[246-little george]} " Another person whose name is [Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} , [Georgey]_187-georgey . "_{[2155-his guardian]} " [Poor person]_{6167-poor person} ! Will [he]_187-georgey go to [the pit - hole]_{6168-the pit - hole} ? "_{[5049-the boy]} [The boy]_{5049-the boy} had that notion of death which is generally imparted to [children]_{5631-children} by [[their]_{5631-children} wise elders]_{2230-their wise elders} , and which always leads [the infant mind]_{2231-the infant mind} to the open grave and rarely carries it any higher . " [I]_187-georgey should like to see [him]_187-georgey put in the pit - hole , "_{[187-georgey]} [Georgey]_187-georgey remarked , after a pause . [He]_187-georgey had attended several infant funerals in [the neighborhood]_{504-the neighborhood} , and was considered valuable as [a mourner]_{2233-a mourner} on account of [his]_187-georgey interesting appearance . [He]_187-georgey had come , therefore , to look upon the ceremony of interment as a solemn festivity ; in which cake and wine , and a carriage drive were the leading features . " [You]_{694-the old man} have no objection to [my]_173-robert taking [Georgey]_187-georgey away with [me]_173-robert , [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} ? "_[173-robert] asked [Robert Audley]_173-robert . [The old man]_{694-the old man} 's agitation had very much subsided by this time . [He]_173-robert had found another pipe stuck behind the tawdry frame of the looking - glass , and was trying to light it with a bit of twisted newspaper . " [You]_{694-the old man} do not object , [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} ? "_[173-robert] " No , [sir]_900-sir — no , [sir]_900-sir ; [you]_900-sir are [[his]_187-georgey guardian]_{2155-his guardian} , and [you]_900-sir have a right to take [him]_187-georgey where [you]_900-sir please . [He]_187-georgey has been a very great comfort to [me]_173-robert in [my]_173-robert lonely old age , but [I]_173-robert have been prepared to lose [him]_187-georgey . [I]_173-robert — [I]_173-robert may not have always done [my]_173-robert duty to [him]_187-georgey , [sir]_900-sir , in — in the way of schooling , and — and boots . The number of boots which [boys of]_{6173-boys of} [his]_187-georgey age wear out , [sir]_900-sir , is not easily realized by the mind of [a young man]_{4958-a young man} like [yourself]_900-sir ; [he]_187-georgey has been kept away from [school]_6042-school , perhaps , sometimes , and occasionally worn shabby boots when [our]_6177-our funds have got low ; but [he]_187-georgey has not been unkindly treated . No , [sir]_900-sir ; if [you]_900-sir were to question [him]_187-georgey for a week , [I]_173-robert do n't think [you]_900-sir 'd hear that [[his]_187-georgey poor old grandfather]_{6099-his poor old grandfather} ever said a harsh word to [him]_187-georgey . "_[173-robert] Upon this , [Georgie]_157-george , perceiving the distress of [[his]_157-george old protector]_{2235-his old protector} , set up a terrible howl , and declared that [he]_{2235-his old protector} would never leave [him]_{2235-his old protector} . " [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} , "_[173-robert] said [Robert Audley]_173-robert , with a tone which was half - mournful , half - compassionate , " when [I]_2236-i looked at [my]_2236-i position last night , [I]_2236-i did not believe that [I]_2236-i could ever come to think it more painful than [I]_2236-i thought it then . [I]_2236-i can only say — [God]_164-god have mercy upon [[us]_6180-us all]_{6181-us all} . [I]_2236-i feel it [my]_2236-i duty to take [the child]_{5037-the child} away , but [I]_2236-i shall take [him]_{5037-the child} straight from [[your]_{182-mr. maldon} house]_{6183-your house} to [the best school in [Southampton]_{33-southampton}]_{6184-the best school in southampton} ; and [I]_2236-i give [you]_{182-mr. maldon} [my]_2236-i honor that [I]_2236-i will extort nothing from [his]_{5037-the child} innocent simplicity which can in any manner — [I]_2236-i mean , "_[2236-i] [he]_2236-i said , breaking off abruptly , " [I]_2236-i mean this . [I]_2236-i will not seek to come one step nearer the secret through [him]_{5037-the child} . [I]_2236-i — [I]_2236-i am not [a detective officer]_{6185-a detective officer} , and [I]_2236-i do not think [the most accomplished detective]_{6186-the most accomplished detective} would like to get [his]_{6186-the most accomplished detective} information from [a child]_{4759-a child} . "_[2236-i] [The old man]_{694-the old man} did not answer ; [he]_{694-the old man} sat with [his]_{694-the old man} face shaded by [his]_{694-the old man} hand , and with [his]_{694-the old man} extinguished pipe between the listless fingers of the other . " Take [the boy]_{5049-the boy} away , [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} , "_[2236-i] [he]_2236-i said , after a pause ; " take [him]_{5049-the boy} away and put [his]_{5049-the boy} things on . [He]_{5049-the boy} is going with [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . "_[2236-i] " Which [I]_{241-mrs. plowson} do say that it 's not kind of [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} to take [[his]_{4994-the gentleman} poor grandpa]_{6190-his poor grandpa} 's pet away , "_{[241-mrs. plowson]} [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} exclaimed , suddenly , with respectful indignation . " Hush , [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} , "_{[694-the old man]} [the old man]_{694-the old man} answered , piteously ; " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert is [the best judge]_{6191-the best judge} . [I]_{694-the old man} — [I]_{694-the old man} have n't many years to live ; [I]_{694-the old man} sha'n't trouble [anybody]_706-anybody long . "_{[694-the old man]} The tears oozed slowly through the dirty fingers with which [he]_{694-the old man} shaded [his]_{694-the old man} blood - shot eyes , as [he]_{694-the old man} said this . " God knows , [I]_{694-the old man} never injured [[your]_{694-the old man} friend]_{5065-your friend} , [sir]_900-sir , "_{[694-the old man]} [he]_{694-the old man} said , by - and - by , when [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} and [Georgey]_187-georgey had returned , " nor even wished [him]_{5065-your friend} any ill . [He]_{5065-your friend} was [a good son - in - law to [me]_{694-the old man}]_{6195-a good son - in - law to me} — better than [many a son]_{6196-many a son} . [I]_{694-the old man} never did [him]_{5065-your friend} any wilful wrong , [sir]_900-sir . [I]_{694-the old man} — [I]_{694-the old man} spent [his]_{5065-your friend} money , perhaps , but [I]_{694-the old man} am sorry for it — [I]_{694-the old man} am very sorry for it now . But [I]_{694-the old man} do n't believe [he]_{5065-your friend} is dead — no , [sir]_900-sir ; no , [I]_{694-the old man} do n't believe it ! "_{[694-the old man]} exclaimed [the old man]_{694-the old man} , dropping [his]_{694-the old man} hand from [his]_{694-the old man} eyes , and looking with new energy at [Robert Audley]_173-robert . " [I]_{694-the old man} — [I]_{694-the old man} do n't believe it , [sir]_900-sir ! How — how should [he]_{5065-your friend} be dead ? "_{[694-the old man]} [Robert]_173-robert did not answer this eager questioning . [He]_173-robert shook [his]_173-robert head mournfully , and , walking to the little window , looked out across a row of straggling geraniums at [the dreary patch of waste ground on which [the children]_{2241-the children} were at play]_{2240-the dreary patch of waste ground on which the children were at play} . [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} returned with [little Georgey]_187-georgey muffled in a coat and comforter , and [Robert]_173-robert took [the boy]_{5049-the boy} 's hand . [The little fellow]_{5052-the little fellow} sprung toward [the old man]_{694-the old man} , and clinging about [him]_{694-the old man} , kissed the dirty tears from [his]_{694-the old man} faded cheeks . " Do n't be sorry for [me]_{694-the old man} , [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa , "_{[694-the old man]} [he]_{694-the old man} said ; " [I]_{694-the old man} am going to [school]_6042-school to learn to be [a clever man]_{6202-a clever man} , and [I]_{694-the old man} shall come [home]_479-home to see [you]_173-robert and [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} , sha'n't [I]_{694-the old man} ? "_{[694-the old man]} [he]_{694-the old man} added , turning to [Robert]_173-robert . " Yes , [[my]_{694-the old man} dear]_{4626-my dear} , by - and - by . "_{[694-the old man]} " Take [him]_{5052-the little fellow} away , [sir]_900-sir — take [him]_{5052-the little fellow} away , "_{[182-mr. maldon]} cried [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} ; " [you]_173-robert are breaking [my]_{182-mr. maldon} heart . "_{[182-mr. maldon]} [The little fellow]_{5052-the little fellow} trotted away contentedly at [Robert]_173-robert 's side . [He]_173-robert was very well pleased at the idea of going to [school]_6042-school , though [he]_173-robert had been happy enough with [[his]_173-robert drunken old grandfather]_{2247-his drunken old grandfather} , who had always displayed a maudlin affection for [the pretty child]_{2248-the pretty child} , and had done [his]_{2247-his drunken old grandfather} best to spoil [Georgey]_187-georgey , by letting [him]_187-georgey have [his]_187-georgey own way in everything ; in consequence of which indulgence , [Master Talboys]_157-george had acquired a taste for late hours , hot suppers of the most indigestible nature , and sips of rum - and - water from [[his]_173-robert grandfather]_{5035-his grandfather} 's glass . [He]_157-george communicated [his]_157-george sentiments upon many subjects to [Robert Audley]_173-robert , as [they]_2250-they walked to [the Dolphin Hotel]_{2251-the dolphin hotel} ; but [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} did not encourage [him]_173-robert to talk . It was no very difficult matter to find [a good school in such a place as [Southampton]_{33-southampton}]_{2253-a good school in such a place as southampton} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert was directed to [a pretty house between [the Bar]_{4928-the bar} and [the Avenue]_{754-the avenue}]_{2254-a pretty house between the bar and the avenue} , and leaving [Georgey]_187-georgey to the care of [a good - natured waiter , who seemed to have nothing to do but to look out of the window]_{2257-a good - natured waiter , who seemed to have nothing to do but to look out of the window} , and whisk invisible dust off the brightly polished tables , [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} walked up [the High street]_{2259-the high street} toward [[Mr. Marchmont]_{247-mr. marchmont} 's academy for [young gentlemen]_{2261-young gentlemen}]_{2260-mr. marchmont 's academy for young gentlemen} . [He]_173-robert found [Mr. Marchmont]_{247-mr. marchmont} [a very sensible man]_{2262-a very sensible man} , and [he]_173-robert met a file of [orderly - looking young gentlemen]_{2263-orderly - looking young gentlemen} walking townward under the escort of [a couple of ushers]_{2264-a couple of ushers} as [he]_173-robert entered [the house]_{388-the house} . [He]_173-robert told [the schoolmaster]_{2266-the schoolmaster} that [little George Talboys]_157-george had been left in [his]_173-robert charge by [a dear friend , who had sailed for [Australia]_11-australia some months before , and whom [he]_173-robert believed to be dead]_{2267-a dear friend , who had sailed for australia some months before , and whom he believed to be dead} . [He]_173-robert confided [him]_157-george to [Mr. Marchmont]_{247-mr. marchmont} 's especial care , and [he]_173-robert further requested that [no visitors]_{2268-no visitors} should be admitted to see [the boy]_{5049-the boy} unless accredited by a letter from [himself]_173-robert . Having arranged the matter in a very few business - like words , [he]_173-robert returned to [the hotel]_{4975-the hotel} to fetch [Georgey]_187-georgey . [He]_173-robert found [the little man]_{6061-the little man} on intimate terms with [the idle waiter , who had been directing [Master Georgey]_187-georgey 's attention to the different objects of interest in [the High street]_{2259-the high street}]_{2272-the idle waiter , who had been directing master georgey 's attention to the different objects of interest in the high street} . [Poor Robert]_{248-poor robert} had about as much notion of the requirements of [a child]_{4759-a child} as [he]_{248-poor robert} had of those of a white elephant . [He]_{248-poor robert} had catered for silkworms , guinea - pigs , dormice , canary - birds , and dogs , without number , during [his]_{248-poor robert} boyhood , but [he]_{248-poor robert} had never been called upon to provide for [a young person of five years old]_{2275-a young person of five years old} . [He]_{248-poor robert} looked back five - and - twenty years , and tried to remember [his]_{248-poor robert} own diet at the age of five . " [I]_{248-poor robert} 've a vague recollection of getting a good deal of bread and milk and boiled mutton , "_{[248-poor robert]} [he]_{248-poor robert} thought ; " and [I]_{248-poor robert} 've another vague recollection of not liking them . [I]_{248-poor robert} wonder if [this boy]_{6206-this boy} likes bread and milk and boiled mutton . "_{[248-poor robert]} [He]_{248-poor robert} stood pulling [his]_{248-poor robert} thick mustache and staring thoughtfully at [the child]_{5037-the child} for some minutes before [he]_{248-poor robert} could get any further . " [I]_{248-poor robert} dare say [you]_{5037-the child} 're hungry , [Georgey]_187-georgey ? "_{[248-poor robert]} [he]_{248-poor robert} said , at last . [The boy]_{5049-the boy} nodded , and [the waiter]_{4929-the waiter} whisked some more invisible dust from the nearest table as a preparatory step toward laying a cloth . " Perhaps [you]_{5037-the child} 'd like some lunch ? "_{[4929-the waiter]} [Mr. Audley]_173-robert suggested , still pulling [his]_{248-poor robert} mustache . [The boy]_{5049-the boy} burst out laughing . " Lunch ! "_{[5049-the boy]} [he]_{5049-the boy} cried . " Why , it 's afternoon , and [I]_{5049-the boy} 've had [my]_{5049-the boy} dinner . "_{[5049-the boy]} [Robert Audley]_173-robert felt [himself]_173-robert brought to a standstill . What refreshment could [he]_{248-poor robert} possibly provide for [a boy who called it afternoon at three o'clock]_{2280-a boy who called it afternoon at three o'clock} ? " [You]_{5037-the child} shall have some bread and milk , [Georgey]_187-georgey , "_{[248-poor robert]} [he]_{248-poor robert} said , presently . " [Waiter]_6207-waiter , bread and milk , and a pint of hock . "_{[248-poor robert]} [Master Talboys]_157-george made a wry face . " [I]_{248-poor robert} never have bread and milk , "_{[248-poor robert]} [he]_{248-poor robert} said , " [I]_{248-poor robert} do n't like it . [I]_{248-poor robert} like what [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa calls something savory . [I]_{248-poor robert} should like a veal cutlet . [Gran'pa]_243-gran'pa told [me]_{248-poor robert} [he]_243-gran'pa dined [here]_4776-here once , and the veal cutlets were lovely , [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa said . Please may [I]_{248-poor robert} have a veal cutlet , with egg and bread - crumb , [you]_{5037-the child} know , and lemon - juice [you]_{5037-the child} know ? "_{[248-poor robert]} [he]_{248-poor robert} added to [the waiter]_{4929-the waiter} : " [Gran'pa]_243-gran'pa knows [the cook]_{6211-the cook} [here]_4776-here . [The cook]_{6211-the cook} 's such [a nice gentleman]_{6214-a nice gentleman} , and once gave [me]_187-georgey a shilling , when [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa brought [me]_187-georgey [here]_4776-here . [The cook]_{6211-the cook} wears better clothes than [gran'pa]_6038-gran'pa — better than [yours]_173-robert , even , "_{[187-georgey]} said [Master Georgey]_187-georgey , pointing to [Robert]_173-robert 's rough great - coat with a depreciating nod . [Robert Audley]_173-robert stared aghast . How was [he]_173-robert to deal with [this epicure of five years old , who rejected bread and milk and asked for veal cutlets]_{2282-this epicure of five years old , who rejected bread and milk and asked for veal cutlets} ? " [I]_187-georgey 'll tell [you]_173-robert what [I]_187-georgey 'll do with [you]_173-robert , [little Georgey]_187-georgey , "_{[187-georgey]} [he]_187-georgey exclaimed , after a pause—"I'll give [you]_173-robert a dinner ! "_{[4929-the waiter]} [The waiter]_{4929-the waiter} nodded briskly . " Upon [my]_187-georgey word , [sir]_900-sir , "_{[187-georgey]} [he]_187-georgey said , approvingly , " [I]_187-georgey think [the little gentleman]_{6220-the little gentleman} will know how to eat it . "_{[187-georgey]} " [I]_{4929-the waiter} 'll give [you]_173-robert a dinner , [Georgey]_187-georgey , "_{[4929-the waiter]} repeated [Robert—"some]_{249-robert—"some} stewed eels , a little Julienne , a dish of cutlets , a bird , and a pudding . What do [you]_173-robert say to that , [Georgey]_187-georgey ? "_{[187-georgey]} " [I]_{4929-the waiter} do n't think [the young gentleman]_{6221-the young gentleman} will object to it when [he]_{6221-the young gentleman} sees it , [sir]_900-sir , "_{[4929-the waiter]} said [the waiter]_{4929-the waiter} . " Eels , Julienne , cutlets , bird , pudding — [I'll]_{4929-the waiter} go and tell [the cook]_{6211-the cook} , [sir]_900-sir . What time , [sir]_900-sir ? "_{[4929-the waiter]} " Well , [we]_6226-we 'll say six , and [Master Georgey]_187-georgey will get to [[his]_187-georgey new school]_{6227-his new school} by bedtime . [You]_173-robert can contrive to amuse [the child]_{5037-the child} for this afternoon , [I]_173-robert dare say . [I]_173-robert have some business to settle , and sha'n't be able to take [him]_{5037-the child} out . [I]_173-robert shall sleep [here]_4776-here to - night . Good - by , [Georgey]_187-georgey ; take care of [yourself]_187-georgey and try and get [your]_187-georgey appetite in order against six o'clock . "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert left [the boy]_{5049-the boy} in charge of [the idle waiter]_{2286-the idle waiter} , and strolled down to [the water side]_{2287-the water side} , choosing that lonely bank which leads away under the moldering walls of [the town]_{2092-the town} toward [the little villages beside [the narrowing river]_{2290-the narrowing river}]_{2289-the little villages beside the narrowing river} . [He]_173-robert had purposely avoided [the society of [the child]_{5037-the child}]_{2291-the society of the child} , and [he]_173-robert walked through the light drifting snow till the early darkness closed upon [him]_173-robert . [He]_173-robert went back to [the town]_{2092-the town} , and made inquiries at [the station]_{1271-the station} about [the trains]_{1422-the trains} for [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} . " [I]_173-robert shall start early to - morrow morning , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought , " and see [[George]_157-george 's father]_{6230-george 's father} before nightfall . [I]_173-robert will tell [him]_{6230-george 's father} all — all but the interest which [I]_173-robert take in — in [the suspected person]_{6231-the suspected person} , and [he]_{6230-george 's father} shall decide what is next to be done . "_[173-robert] [Master Georgey]_187-georgey did very good justice to the dinner which [Robert]_173-robert had ordered . [He]_187-georgey drank [Bass]_250-bass ' pale ale to an extent which considerably alarmed [[his]_187-georgey entertainer]_{2296-his entertainer} , and enjoyed [himself]_187-georgey amazingly , showing an appreciation of roast pheasant and bread - sauce which was beyond [his]_187-georgey years . At eight o'clock a fly was brought out for [his]_187-georgey accommodation , and [he]_187-georgey departed in the highest spirits , with a sovereign in [his]_187-georgey pocket , and a letter from [Robert]_173-robert to [Mr. Marchmont]_{247-mr. marchmont} , inclosing a check for [the young gentleman]_{6221-the young gentleman} 's outfit . " [I]_173-robert 'm glad [I]_173-robert 'm going to have new clothes , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , as [he]_173-robert bade [Robert]_173-robert good - by ; " for [Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} has mended the old ones ever so many times . [She]_{241-mrs. plowson} can have them now , for [Billy]_251-billy . "_[173-robert] " Who 's [Billy]_251-billy ? "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert asked , laughing at [the boy]_{5049-the boy} 's chatter . " [Billy]_251-billy is [poor [Matilda]_244-matilda 's little boy]_{6232-poor matilda 's little boy} . [He]_251-billy 's [a common boy]_{6233-a common boy} , [you]_173-robert know . [Matilda]_244-matilda was common , but [she]_244-matilda — "_[173-robert] But [the flyman]_{2299-the flyman} snapping [his]_{2299-the flyman} whip at this moment , the old horse jogged off , and [Robert Audley]_173-robert heard no more of [Matilda]_244-matilda . [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} lived in [a prim , square , red - brick mansion , within a mile of [a little village called Grange Heath]_{2301-a little village called grange heath} , in [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire}]_{2300-a prim , square , red - brick mansion , within a mile of a little village called grange heath , in dorsetshire} . [The prim , square , red - brick mansion]_{2302-the prim , square , red - brick mansion} stood in [the center of [prim , square grounds]_{2304-prim , square grounds}]_{2303-the center of prim , square grounds} , scarcely large enough to be called [a park]_{2305-a park} , too large to be called anything else — so neither [the house]_{388-the house} nor [the grounds]_{5571-the grounds} had any name , and [the estate]_{2308-the estate} was simply designated [Squire Talboys]_{252-squire talboys} ' . Perhaps [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} was [the last person in [this world]_{2310-this world} with whom it was possible to associate the homely , hearty , rural old English title of [squire]_2311-squire]_{2309-the last person in this world with whom it was possible to associate the homely , hearty , rural old english title of squire} . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} neither hunted nor farmed . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} had never worn crimson , pink , or top - boots in [his]_{239-mr. talboys} life . A southerly wind and a cloudy sky were matters of supreme indifference to [him]_{239-mr. talboys} , so long as they did not in any way interfere with [his]_{239-mr. talboys} own prim comforts ; and [he]_{239-mr. talboys} only cared for the state of the crops inasmuch as it involved the hazard of certain rents which [he]_{239-mr. talboys} received for [the farms upon [his]_{239-mr. talboys} estate]_{2312-the farms upon his estate} . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} was [a man of about fifty years of age]_{2313-a man of about fifty years of age} , tall , straight , bony and angular , with a square , pale face , light gray eyes , and scanty dark hair , brushed from either ear across a bald crown , and thus imparting to [his]_{239-mr. talboys} physiognomy some faint resemblance to that of a terrier — a sharp , uncompromising , hard - headed terrier — a terrier not to be taken in by [the cleverest dog - stealer who ever distinguished [himself]_{239-mr. talboys} in [his]_{239-mr. talboys} profession]_{2314-the cleverest dog - stealer who ever distinguished himself in his profession} . [Nobody]_566-nobody ever remembered getting upon what is popularly called the blind side of [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} was like [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} own square - built , northern - fronted , shelterless house]_{2316-his own square - built , northern - fronted , shelterless house} . There were no shady nooks in [his]_{239-mr. talboys} character into which [one]_5487-one could creep for shelter from [his]_{239-mr. talboys} hard daylight . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} was all daylight . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} looked at everything in the same broad glare of intellectual sunlight , and would see no softening shadows that might alter the sharp outlines of cruel facts , subduing them to beauty . [I]_0-i do not know if [I]_0-i express what [I]_0-i mean , when [I]_0-i say that there were no curves in [his]_{239-mr. talboys} character — that [his]_{239-mr. talboys} mind ran in straight lines , never diverging to the right or the left to round off their pitiless angles . With [him]_{239-mr. talboys} right was right , and wrong was wrong . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} had never in [his]_{239-mr. talboys} merciless , conscientious life admitted the idea that circumstances might mitigate the blackness of wrong or weaken the force of right . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} had cast off [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} only son]_{2318-his only son} because [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} only son]_{2318-his only son} had disobeyed [him]_{239-mr. talboys} , and [he]_{239-mr. talboys} was ready to cast off [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} only daughter]_{1484-his only daughter} at five minutes ' notice for the same reason . If [this square - built , hard - headed man]_{2321-this square - built , hard - headed man} could be possessed of such a weakness as vanity , [he]_{239-mr. talboys} was certainly vain of [his]_{239-mr. talboys} hardness . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} was vain of that inflexible squareness of intellect , which made [him]_{239-mr. talboys} [the disagreeable creature that [he]_{239-mr. talboys} was]_{2322-the disagreeable creature that he was} . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} was vain of that unwavering obstinacy which no influence of love or pity had ever been known to bend from its remorseless purpose . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} was vain of the negative force of a nature which had [never known the weakness of the affections , or the strength which may be born of that very weakness]_{2323-never known the weakness of the affections , or the strength which may be born of that very weakness} . If [he]_{239-mr. talboys} had regretted [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} son]_{4957-his son} 's marriage , and the breach of [his]_{239-mr. talboys} own making , between [himself]_{239-mr. talboys} and [George]_157-george , [his]_{239-mr. talboys} vanity had been more powerful than [his]_{239-mr. talboys} regret , and had enabled [him]_{239-mr. talboys} to conceal it . Indeed , unlikely as it appears at the first glance that [such a man as this]_{2325-such a man as this} could have been vain , [I]_0-i have little doubt that vanity was the center from which radiated all the disagreeable lines in the character of [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} . [I]_0-i dare say [Junius Brutus]_{253-junius brutus} was vain , and enjoyed the approval of awe - stricken [Rome]_81-rome when [he]_{253-junius brutus} ordered [[his]_{253-junius brutus} son]_{4957-his son} off for execution . [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} would have sent poor [George]_157-george from [his]_157-george presence between the reversed fasces of [the lictors]_{2327-the lictors} , and grimly relished [his]_157-george own agony . Heaven only knows how bitterly [this hard man]_{2328-this hard man} may have felt the separation between [himself]_{2328-this hard man} and [[his]_{2328-this hard man} only son]_{2318-his only son} , or how much the more terrible the anguish might have been made by that unflinching self - conceit which concealed the torture . " [[My]_{239-mr. talboys} son]_{6234-my son} did [me]_{239-mr. talboys} an unpardonable wrong by marrying [the daughter of [a drunken pauper]_{6236-a drunken pauper}]_{6235-the daughter of a drunken pauper} , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} would answer to [any one who had the temerity to speak to [him]_{239-mr. talboys} about [George]_157-george]_{2330-any one who had the temerity to speak to him about george} , " and from that hour [I]_{239-mr. talboys} had no longer [a son]_{708-a son} . [I]_{239-mr. talboys} wish [him]_157-george no ill . [He]_157-george is simply dead to [me]_{239-mr. talboys} . [I]_{239-mr. talboys} am sorry for [him]_157-george , as [I]_{239-mr. talboys} am sorry for [[his]_157-george mother]_{533-his mother} who died nineteen years ago . If [you]_{2330-any one who had the temerity to speak to him about george} talk to [me]_{239-mr. talboys} of [him]_157-george as [you]_{2330-any one who had the temerity to speak to him about george} would talk of [the dead]_{1100-the dead} , [I]_{239-mr. talboys} shall be ready to hear [you]_{2330-any one who had the temerity to speak to him about george} . If [you]_{2330-any one who had the temerity to speak to him about george} speak of [him]_157-george as [you]_{2330-any one who had the temerity to speak to him about george} would speak of [the living]_{6022-the living} , [I]_{239-mr. talboys} must decline to listen . "_{[239-mr. talboys]} [I]_0-i believe that [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} hugged [himself]_{239-mr. talboys} upon the gloomy Roman grandeur of this speech , and that [he]_{239-mr. talboys} would like to have worn a toga , and wrapped [himself]_{239-mr. talboys} sternly in its folds , as [he]_{239-mr. talboys} turned [his]_{239-mr. talboys} back upon [poor [George]_157-george 's intercessor]_{2331-poor george 's intercessor} . [George]_157-george never in [[his]_157-george own person]_{2332-his own person} made any effort to soften [[his]_157-george father]_{709-his father} 's verdict . [He]_157-george knew [[his]_157-george father]_{709-his father} well enough to know that the case was hopeless . " If [I]_{667-the young man} write to [him]_{709-his father} , [he]_{709-his father} will fold [my]_{667-the young man} letter with the envelope inside , and indorse it with [my]_{667-the young man} name and the date of its arrival , "_{[667-the young man]} [the young man]_{667-the young man} would say , " and call [everybody in [the house]_{388-the house}]_{5671-everybody in the house} to witness that it had not moved [him]_{709-his father} to one softening recollection or one pitiful thought . [He]_{709-his father} will stick to [his]_{709-his father} resolution to [his]_{709-his father} dying day . [I]_{667-the young man} dare say , if the truth was known , [he]_{709-his father} is glad that [[his]_{709-his father} only son]_{2318-his only son} has offended [him]_{709-his father} and given [him]_{709-his father} the opportunity of parading [his]_{709-his father} Roman virtues . "_{[667-the young man]} [George]_157-george had answered [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} thus when [she]_{554-his wife} and [[her]_{554-his wife} father]_{481-her father} had urged [him]_157-george to ask assistance from [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} . " No [[my]_157-george darling]_{4709-my darling} , "_[157-george] [he]_157-george would say , conclusively . " It 's very hard , perhaps , to be poor , but [we]_6245-we will bear it . [We]_6245-we wo n't go with pitiful faces to [the stern father]_{6246-the stern father} , and ask [him]_{6246-the stern father} to give [us]_6245-we food and shelter , only to be refused in long , Johnsonian sentences , and made a classical example for the benefit of [the neighborhood]_{504-the neighborhood} . No , [[my]_157-george pretty one]_{852-my pretty one} ; it is easy to starve , but it is difficult to stoop . "_[157-george] Perhaps [poor Mrs. George]_{181-george talboys} did not agree very heartily to the first of these two propositions . [She]_{181-george talboys} had no great fancy for starving , and [she]_{181-george talboys} whimpered pitifully when the pretty pint bottles of champagne , with Cliquot 's and [Moet]_254-moet 's brands upon [their]_2338-their corks , were exchanged for sixpenny ale , procured by [a slipshod attendant from [the nearest beer - shop]_{2340-the nearest beer - shop}]_{2339-a slipshod attendant from the nearest beer - shop} . [George]_{181-george talboys} had been obliged to carry [his]_157-george own burden and lend a helping hand with that of [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} , who had no idea of keeping [her]_{554-his wife} regrets or disappointments a secret . " [I]_{554-his wife} thought [dragoons]_{6249-dragoons} were always rich , "_{[554-his wife]} [she]_{554-his wife} used to say , peevishly . " [Girls]_6250-girls always want to marry [dragoons]_{6249-dragoons} ; and [tradespeople]_{5475-tradespeople} always want to serve [dragoons]_{6249-dragoons} ; and [hotel - keepers]_{6254-hotel - keepers} to entertain [dragoons]_{6249-dragoons} ; and [theatrical managers]_{6256-theatrical managers} to be patronized by [dragoons]_{6249-dragoons} . Who could have ever expected that [a dragoon]_{6258-a dragoon} would drink sixpenny ale , smoke horrid bird's - eye tobacco , and let [[his]_{6258-a dragoon} wife]_{554-his wife} wear a shabby bonnet ? "_{[554-his wife]} If there were any selfish feelings displayed in such speeches as these , [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} had never discovered it . [He]_157-george had loved and believed in [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} from the first to the last hour of [his]_157-george brief married life . The love that is not blind is perhaps only a spurious divinity after all ; for when [Cupid]_255-cupid takes the fillet from [his]_255-cupid eyes it is a fatally certain indication that [he]_255-cupid is preparing to spread [his]_255-cupid wings for a flight . [George]_{181-george talboys} never forgot the hour in which [he]_157-george had first become bewitched by [[Lieutenant Maldon]_{242-lieutenant maldon} 's pretty daughter]_{2343-lieutenant maldon 's pretty daughter} , and however [she]_{2343-lieutenant maldon 's pretty daughter} might have changed , the image which had charmed [him]_157-george then , unchanged and unchanging , represented [her]_{2343-lieutenant maldon 's pretty daughter} in [his]_157-george heart . [Robert Audley]_173-robert left [Southampton]_{33-southampton} by [a train which started before daybreak]_{2344-a train which started before daybreak} , and reached [[Wareham]_82-wareham station]_{2345-wareham station} early in the day . [He]_173-robert hired [a vehicle]_{2346-a vehicle} at [Wareham]_82-wareham to take [him]_173-robert over to [Grange Heath]_{83-grange heath} . The snow had hardened upon the ground , and the day was clear and frosty , every object in the landscape standing in sharp outline against the cold blue sky . The horses ' hoofs clattered upon [the ice - bound road]_{2347-the ice - bound road} , the iron shoes striking on the ground that was almost as iron as themselves . The wintry day bore some resemblance to [the man to whom [Robert]_173-robert was going]_{2348-the man to whom robert was going} . Like [him]_173-robert , it was sharp , frigid , and uncompromising : like [him]_173-robert , it was merciless to distress and impregnable to the softening power of sunshine . It would accept no sunshine but such January radiance as would light up [the bleak , bare country]_{2349-the bleak , bare country} without brightening it ; and thus resembled [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , who took the sternest side of every truth , and declared loudly to the disbelieving world that there never had been , and never could be , any other side . [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's heart sunk within [him]_173-robert as [the shabby hired vehicle]_{2350-the shabby hired vehicle} stopped at a stern - looking barred fence , and [the driver]_{2351-the driver} dismounted to open a broad iron gate which swung back with a clanking noise and was caught by a great iron tooth , planted in the ground , which snapped at the lowest bar of the gate as if it wanted to bite . This iron gate opened into a scanty plantation of straight - limbed fir - trees , that grew in rows and shook their sturdy winter foliage defiantly in the very teeth of the frosty breeze . [A straight graveled carriage - drive]_{2352-a straight graveled carriage - drive} ran between these straight trees across [a smoothly kept lawn]_{2353-a smoothly kept lawn} to [a square red - brick mansion]_{2354-a square red - brick mansion} , every window of which winked and glittered in the January sunlight as if it had been that moment cleaned by [some indefatigable housemaid]_{2355-some indefatigable housemaid} . [I]_0-i do n't know whether [Junius Brutus]_{253-junius brutus} was a nuisance in [[his]_{253-junius brutus} own house]_{2356-his own house} , but among other of [his]_{253-junius brutus} Roman virtues , [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} owned an extreme aversion to disorder , and was the terror of every domestic in [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} establishment]_{2357-his establishment} . The windows winked and the flight of stone steps glared in the sunlight , [the prim garden walks]_{2358-the prim garden walks} were so freshly graveled that they gave a sandy , gingery aspect to [the place]_{385-the place} , reminding [one]_5487-one unpleasantly of red hair . [The lawn]_{5405-the lawn} was chiefly ornamented with dark , wintry shrubs of a funereal aspect which grew in beds that looked like problems in algebra ; and the flight of stone steps leading to the square half - glass door of [the hall]_{804-the hall} was adorned with dark - green wooden tubs containing the same sturdy evergreens . " If [the man]_{634-the man} is anything like [[his]_{634-the man} house]_{447-his house} , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert thought , " [I]_173-robert do n't wonder that poor [George]_{181-george talboys} and [he]_{634-the man} parted . "_[173-robert] At the end of [a scanty avenue]_{2363-a scanty avenue} [the carriage - drive]_{2364-the carriage - drive} turned a sharp corner ( it would have been made to describe a curve in [[any other man]_{2365-any other man} 's grounds]_{2366-any other man 's grounds} ) and ran before the lower windows of [the house]_{388-the house} . [The flyman]_{2299-the flyman} dismounted at the steps , ascended them , and rang a brass - handled bell , which flew back to its socket , with an angry , metallic snap , as if it had been insulted by the plebeian touch of [the man]_{634-the man} 's hand . [A man in black trousers and a striped linen jacket , which was evidently fresh from the hands of the laundress]_{2370-a man in black trousers and a striped linen jacket , which was evidently fresh from the hands of the laundress} , opened the door . [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} was at [home]_479-home . Would [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} send in [his]_{4994-the gentleman} card ? [Robert]_173-robert waited in [the hall]_{804-the hall} while [his]_173-robert card was taken to [the master of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{2374-the master of the house} . [The hall]_{804-the hall} was large and lofty , paved with stone . The panels of the oaken wainscot shone with the same uncompromising polish which was on every object within and without [the red - bricked mansion]_{2377-the red - bricked mansion} . [Some people]_{4635-some people} are so weak - minded as to affect pictures and statues . [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} was far too practical to indulge in any foolish fancies . A barometer and an umbrella - stand were the only adornments of [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} entrance - hall]_{2379-his entrance - hall} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert looked at these while [his]_173-robert name was being submitted to [[George]_{181-george talboys} 's father]_{6230-george 's father} . [The linen - jacketed servant]_{2381-the linen - jacketed servant} returned presently . [He]_{2381-the linen - jacketed servant} was [a square , pale - faced man of almost forty , and had the appearance of having outlived every emotion to which humanity]_{2382-a square , pale - faced man of almost forty , and had the appearance of having outlived every emotion to which humanity} is subject . " If [you]_173-robert will step this way , [sir]_900-sir , "_{[2381-the linen - jacketed servant]} [he]_{2381-the linen - jacketed servant} said , " [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} will see [you]_173-robert , although [he]_{239-mr. talboys} is at breakfast . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} begged [me]_{2381-the linen - jacketed servant} to state that [everybody in [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire}]_{6263-everybody in dorsetshire} was acquainted with [his]_{239-mr. talboys} breakfast hour . "_{[2381-the linen - jacketed servant]} This was intended as a stately reproof to [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert . It had , however , very small effect upon [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} . [He]_{2381-the linen - jacketed servant} merely lifted [his]_{2381-the linen - jacketed servant} eyebrows in placid deprecation of [himself]_{2381-the linen - jacketed servant} and [everybody else]_{1033-everybody else} . " [I]_{2381-the linen - jacketed servant} do n't belong to [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} , "_{[2381-the linen - jacketed servant]} [he]_{2381-the linen - jacketed servant} said . " [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} might have known that , if [he]_{239-mr. talboys} 'd done [me]_{2381-the linen - jacketed servant} the honor to exercise [his]_{239-mr. talboys} powers of ratiocination . Drive on , [[my]_{2381-the linen - jacketed servant} friend]_{836-my friend} . "_{[2381-the linen - jacketed servant]} [The emotionless man]_{2385-the emotionless man} looked at [Robert Audley]_173-robert with a vacant stare of unmitigated horror , and opening one of the heavy oak doors , led the way into [a large dining - room furnished with the severe simplicity of [an apartment which is meant to be ate in]_{2387-an apartment which is meant to be ate in} , but never lived in]_{2386-a large dining - room furnished with the severe simplicity of an apartment which is meant to be ate in , but never lived in} ; and at top of a table which would have accommodated [eighteen persons [Robert]_173-robert]_{2388-eighteen persons robert} beheld [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} . [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} was robed in a dressing - gown of gray cloth , fastened about [his]_{239-mr. talboys} waist with a girdle . It was a severe looking garment , and was perhaps the nearest approach to the toga to be obtained within the range of modern costume . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} wore a buff waistcoat , a stiffly starched cambric cravat , and a faultless shirt collar . The cold gray of [his]_{239-mr. talboys} dressing gown was almost the same as the cold gray of [his]_{239-mr. talboys} eyes , and the pale buff of [his]_{239-mr. talboys} waistcoat was the pale buff of [his]_{239-mr. talboys} complexion . [Robert Audley]_173-robert had not expected to find [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} at all like [George]_{181-george talboys} in [his]_{239-mr. talboys} manners or disposition , but [he]_173-robert had expected to see some family likeness between [the father]_{2066-the father} and [the son]_{2390-the son} . There was none . It would have been impossible to imagine any one more unlike [George]_{181-george talboys} than [the author of [his]_{239-mr. talboys} existence]_{2391-the author of his existence} . [Robert]_173-robert scarcely wondered at the cruel letter [he]_173-robert received from [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} when [he]_173-robert saw [the writer of it]_{2392-the writer of it} . [Such a man]_{2393-such a man} could scarcely have written otherwise . There was [a second person in [the large room]_{2395-the large room}]_{2394-a second person in the large room} , toward whom [Robert]_173-robert glanced after saluting [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , doubtful how to proceed . [This second person]_{2396-this second person} was [a lady]_{1799-a lady} , who sat at the last of a range of four windows , employed with some needlework , the kind which is generally called plain work , and with a large wicker basket , filled with calicoes and flannels , standing by [her]_{1799-a lady} . The whole length of [the room]_{595-the room} divided [this lady]_{2399-this lady} from [Robert]_173-robert , but [he]_173-robert could see that [she]_{2399-this lady} was young , and that [she]_{2399-this lady} was like [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . " [[His]_173-robert sister]_{6265-his sister} ! "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought in that one moment , during which [he]_173-robert ventured to glance away from [the master of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{2374-the master of the house} toward [the female figure at the window]_{2402-the female figure at the window} . " [[His]_173-robert sister]_{6265-his sister} , no doubt . [He]_173-robert was fond of [her]_{6265-his sister} , [I]_{673-the lady} know . Surely , [she]_{6265-his sister} is not utterly indifferent as to [his]_173-robert fate ? "_{[673-the lady]} [The lady]_{673-the lady} half rose from [her]_{673-the lady} seat , letting [her]_{673-the lady} work , which was large and awkward , fall from [her]_{673-the lady} lap as [she]_{673-the lady} did so , and dropping a reel of cotton , which rolled away upon the polished oaken flooring beyond the margin of the Turkey carpet . " Sit down , [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} said the hard voice of [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} . [That gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} did not appear to address [[his]_{4886-that gentleman} daughter]_{556-his daughter} , nor had [his]_{4886-that gentleman} face been turned toward [her]_{556-his daughter} when [she]_{556-his daughter} rose . It seemed as if [he]_{4886-that gentleman} had known it by some social magnetism peculiar to [himself]_{4886-that gentleman} ; it seemed , as [[his]_{4886-that gentleman} servants]_{2406-his servants} were apt disrespectfully to observe , as if [he]_{4886-that gentleman} had eyes in the back of [his]_{4886-that gentleman} head . " Sit down , [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} , "_{[4886-that gentleman]} [he]_{4886-that gentleman} repeated , " and keep [your]_{256-clara talboys} cotton in [[your]_{256-clara talboys} workbox]_{6267-your workbox} . "_{[4886-that gentleman]} [The lady]_{673-the lady} blushed at this reproof , and stooped to look for the cotton . [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , who was unabashed by the stern presence of [the master of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{2374-the master of the house} , knelt on the carpet , found the reel , and restored it to [its owner]_{2410-its owner} ; [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} staring at the proceeding with an expression of unmitigated astonishment . " Perhaps , [Mr.]_6268-mr. — — , [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert ! "_{[4886-that gentleman]} [he]_{4886-that gentleman} said , looking at the card which [he]_{4886-that gentleman} held between [his]_{4886-that gentleman} finger and thumb , " perhaps when [you]_{256-clara talboys} have finished looking for reels of cotton , [you]_{256-clara talboys} will be good enough to tell [me]_{4886-that gentleman} to what [I]_{4886-that gentleman} owe the honor of this visit ? "_{[4886-that gentleman]} [He]_{4886-that gentleman} waved [his]_{4886-that gentleman} well - shaped hand with a gesture which might have been admired in the stately [John Kemble]_{257-john kemble} ; and [the servant , understanding the gesture]_{2411-the servant , understanding the gesture} , brought forward a ponderous red - morocco chair . The proceeding was so slow and solemn , that [Robert]_173-robert had at first thought that something extraordinary was about to be done ; but the truth dawned upon [him]_173-robert at last , and [he]_173-robert dropped into the massive chair . " [You]_{256-clara talboys} may remain , [Wilson]_258-wilson , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} said [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , as [the servant]_{1203-the servant} was about to withdraw ; " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert would perhaps like coffee . "_{[239-mr. talboys]} [Robert]_173-robert had eaten nothing that morning , but [he]_173-robert glanced at the long expanse of dreary table - cloth , the silver tea and coffee equipage , the stiff splendor , and the very little appearance of any substantial entertainment , and [he]_173-robert declined [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} ' invitation . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert will not take coffee , [Wilson]_258-wilson , "_{[2374-the master of the house]} said [the master of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{2374-the master of the house} . " [You]_258-wilson may go . "_{[2374-the master of the house]} [The man]_{634-the man} bowed and retired , opening and shutting the door as cautiously as if [he]_{634-the man} were taking a liberty in doing it at all , or as if the respect due to [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} demanded [his]_{634-the man} walking straight through the oaken panel like a ghost in a German story . [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} sat with [his]_{239-mr. talboys} gray eyes fixed severely on [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} visitor]_{1368-his visitor} , [his]_{239-mr. talboys} elbows on the red - morocco arms of [his]_{239-mr. talboys} chair , and [his]_{239-mr. talboys} finger - tips joined . It was the attitude in which , had [he]_{239-mr. talboys} been [Junius Brutus]_{253-junius brutus} , [he]_{239-mr. talboys} would have sat at the trial of [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} son]_{4957-his son} . Had [Robert Audley]_173-robert been easily to be embarrassed , [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} might have succeeded in making [him]_173-robert feel so : as [he]_{239-mr. talboys} would have sat with perfect tranquility upon an open gunpowder barrel lighting [his]_{239-mr. talboys} cigar , [he]_{239-mr. talboys} was not at all disturbed upon this occasion . [The father]_{2066-the father} 's dignity seemed a very small thing to [him]_{239-mr. talboys} when [he]_{239-mr. talboys} thought of the possible causes of [the son]_{2390-the son} 's disappearance . " [I]_{239-mr. talboys} wrote to [you]_{239-mr. talboys} some time since , [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} [he]_{239-mr. talboys} said quietly , when [he]_{239-mr. talboys} saw that [he]_{239-mr. talboys} was expected to open the conversation . [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} bowed . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} knew that it was of [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} lost son]_{2420-his lost son} that [Robert]_173-robert came to speak . [Heaven]_201-heaven grant that [his]_{239-mr. talboys} icy stoicism was the paltry affectation of [a vain man]_{2421-a vain man} , rather than the utter heartlessness which [Robert]_173-robert thought it . [He]_173-robert bowed across [his]_173-robert finger - tips at [[his]_173-robert visitor]_{1368-his visitor} . The trial had begun , and [Junius Brutus]_{253-junius brutus} was enjoying [himself]_{253-junius brutus} . " [I]_173-robert received [your]_173-robert communication , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said . " It is among other business letters : it was duly answered . "_[173-robert] " That letter concerned [[your]_173-robert son]_{6269-your son} . "_[173-robert] There was a little rustling noise at the window where [the lady]_{673-the lady} sat , as [Robert]_173-robert said this : [he]_173-robert looked at [her]_{673-the lady} almost instantaneously , but [she]_{673-the lady} did not seem to have stirred . [She]_{673-the lady} was not working , but [she]_{673-the lady} was perfectly quiet . " [She]_{673-the lady} 's as heartless as [[her]_{673-the lady} father]_{481-her father} , [I]_173-robert expect , though [she]_{673-the lady} is like [George]_{181-george talboys} , "_[173-robert] thought [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . " If [your]_173-robert letter concerned [the person who was once [[my]_{239-mr. talboys} son]_{6234-my son}]_{6271-the person who was once my son} , perhaps , [sir]_900-sir , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} said [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , " [I]_{239-mr. talboys} must ask [you]_900-sir to remember that [I]_{239-mr. talboys} have no longer [a son]_{708-a son} . "_{[239-mr. talboys]} " [You]_{239-mr. talboys} have no reason to remind [me]_173-robert of that , [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , "_[173-robert] answered [Robert]_173-robert , gravely ; " [I]_173-robert remember it only too well . [I]_173-robert have fatal reason to believe that [you]_{239-mr. talboys} have no longer [a son]_{708-a son} . [I]_173-robert have bitter cause to think that [he]_{708-a son} is dead . "_[173-robert] It may be that [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} ' complexion faded to a paler shade of buff as [Robert]_173-robert said this ; but [he]_173-robert only elevated [his]_173-robert bristling gray eyebrows and shook [his]_173-robert head gently . " No , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " no , [I]_173-robert assure [you]_{239-mr. talboys} , no . "_[173-robert] " [I]_{2424-the girl who had been addressed as clara} believe that [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} died in the month of September . "_{[2424-the girl who had been addressed as clara]} [The girl who had been addressed as [Clara]_{256-clara talboys}]_{2424-the girl who had been addressed as clara} , sat with work primly folded upon [her]_{2424-the girl who had been addressed as clara} lap , and [her]_{2424-the girl who had been addressed as clara} hands lying clasped together on [her]_{2424-the girl who had been addressed as clara} work , and never stirred when [Robert]_173-robert spoke of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} 's death . [He]_173-robert could not distinctly see [her]_{2424-the girl who had been addressed as clara} face , for [she]_{2424-the girl who had been addressed as clara} was seated at some distance from [him]_173-robert , and with [her]_{2424-the girl who had been addressed as clara} back to the window . " No , no , [I]_{239-mr. talboys} assure [you]_{239-mr. talboys} , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} repeated [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , " [you]_{239-mr. talboys} labor under a sad mistake . "_{[239-mr. talboys]} " [You]_173-robert believe that [I]_173-robert am mistaken in thinking [[your]_173-robert son]_{6269-your son} dead ? "_[173-robert] asked [Robert]_173-robert . " Most certainly , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} replied [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , with a smile , expressive of the serenity of wisdom . " Most certainly , [[my]_{239-mr. talboys} dear [sir]_900-sir]_{929-my dear sir} . The disappearance was a very clever trick , no doubt , but it was not sufficiently clever to deceive [me]_{239-mr. talboys} . [You]_900-sir must permit [me]_{239-mr. talboys} to understand this matter a little better than [you]_900-sir , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , and [you]_900-sir must also permit [me]_{239-mr. talboys} to assure [you]_900-sir of three things . In the first place , [[your]_900-sir friend]_{5065-your friend} is not dead . In the second place , [he]_{5065-your friend} is keeping out of the way for the purpose of alarming [me]_{239-mr. talboys} , of trifling with [my]_{239-mr. talboys} feelings as a — as [a man who was once [[his]_{5065-your friend} father]_{709-his father} , and of ultimately obtaining [my]_{239-mr. talboys} forgiveness]_{6280-a man who was once his father , and of ultimately obtaining my forgiveness} . In the third place , [he]_{5065-your friend} will not obtain that forgiveness , however long [he]_{5065-your friend} may please to keep out of the way ; and [he]_{5065-your friend} would therefore act wisely by returning to [[his]_{5065-your friend} ordinary residence]_{6282-his ordinary residence} and avocations without delay . "_{[239-mr. talboys]} " Then [you]_{239-mr. talboys} imagine [him]_{5065-your friend} to purposely hide [himself]_{5065-your friend} from all who know [him]_{5065-your friend} , for the purpose of — "_{[239-mr. talboys]} " For the purpose of influencing [me]_{239-mr. talboys} , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} exclaimed [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , who , taking a stand upon [his]_{239-mr. talboys} own vanity , traced every event in life from that one center , and resolutely declined to look at it from any other point of view . " For the purpose of influencing [me]_{239-mr. talboys} . [He]_{5065-your friend} knew the inflexibility of [my]_{239-mr. talboys} character ; to a certain degree [he]_{5065-your friend} was acquainted with [me]_{239-mr. talboys} , and knew that all attempts at softening [my]_{239-mr. talboys} decision , or moving [me]_{239-mr. talboys} from the fixed purpose of [my]_{239-mr. talboys} life , would fail . [He]_{5065-your friend} therefore tried extraordinary means ; [he]_{5065-your friend} has kept out of the way in order to alarm [me]_{239-mr. talboys} , and when after due time [he]_{5065-your friend} discovers that [he]_{5065-your friend} has not alarmed [me]_{239-mr. talboys} , [he]_{5065-your friend} will return to [[his]_{5065-your friend} old haunts]_{6283-his old haunts} . When [he]_{5065-your friend} does so , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} said [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , rising to sublimity , " [I]_{239-mr. talboys} will forgive [him]_{5065-your friend} . Yes , [sir]_900-sir , [I]_{239-mr. talboys} will forgive [him]_{5065-your friend} . [I]_{239-mr. talboys} shall say to [him]_{5065-your friend} : [You]_900-sir have attempted to deceive [me]_{239-mr. talboys} , and [I]_{239-mr. talboys} have shown [you]_900-sir that [I]_{239-mr. talboys} am not to be deceived ; [you]_900-sir have tried to frighten [me]_{239-mr. talboys} , and [I]_{239-mr. talboys} have convinced [you]_900-sir that [I]_{239-mr. talboys} am not to be frightened ; [you]_900-sir did not believe in [my]_{239-mr. talboys} generosity , [I]_{239-mr. talboys} will show [you]_900-sir that [I]_{239-mr. talboys} can be generous . "_{[239-mr. talboys]} [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} delivered [himself]_{239-mr. talboys} of these superb periods with a studied manner , that showed they had been carefully composed long ago . [Robert Audley]_173-robert sighed as [he]_173-robert heard them . " Heaven grant that [you]_173-robert may have an opportunity of saying this to [[your]_173-robert son]_{6269-your son} , [sir]_900-sir , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert answered sadly . " [I]_173-robert am very glad to find that [you]_173-robert are willing to forgive [him]_{6269-your son} , but [I]_173-robert fear that [you]_173-robert will never see [him]_{6269-your son} again upon [this earth]_{1644-this earth} . [I]_173-robert have a great deal to say to [you]_173-robert upon this — this sad subject , [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} ; but [I]_173-robert would rather say it to [you]_173-robert alone , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert added , glancing at [the lady in the window]_{2426-the lady in the window} . " [[My]_{239-mr. talboys} daughter]_{6288-my daughter} knows [my]_{239-mr. talboys} ideas upon this subject , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} said [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} ; " there is no reason why [she]_{6288-my daughter} should not hear all [you]_173-robert have to say . [Miss Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert added , waving [his]_173-robert hand majestically . [The young lady]_{5100-the young lady} bent [her]_{5100-the young lady} head in recognition of [Robert]_173-robert 's bow . " Let [her]_{5100-the young lady} hear it , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought . " If [she]_{5100-the young lady} has so little feeling as to show no emotion upon such a subject , let [her]_{5100-the young lady} hear the worst [I]_{5100-the young lady} have to tell . "_{[5100-the young lady]} There was a few minutes ' pause , during which [Robert]_173-robert took some papers from [his]_173-robert pocket ; among them the document which [he]_173-robert had written immediately after [George]_{181-george talboys} 's disappearance . " [I]_173-robert shall require all [your]_173-robert attention , [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " for that which [I]_173-robert have to disclose to [you]_173-robert is of a very painful nature . [[Your]_173-robert son]_{6269-your son} was [[my]_173-robert very dear friend]_{6290-my very dear friend} — dear to [me]_173-robert for many reasons . Perhaps most of all dear , because [I]_173-robert had known [him]_{6269-your son} and been with [him]_{6269-your son} through the great trouble of [his]_{6269-your son} life ; and because [he]_{6269-your son} stood comparatively alone in [the world]_{519-the world} — cast off by [[you]_173-robert who should have been [[his]_{6269-your son} best friend]_{6293-his best friend} , bereft of [the only woman [he]_{6269-your son} had ever loved]_{6294-the only woman he had ever loved}]_{6292-you who should have been his best friend , bereft of the only woman he had ever loved} . "_[173-robert] " [The daughter of [a drunken pauper]_{6236-a drunken pauper}]_{6235-the daughter of a drunken pauper} , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} remarked , parenthetically . " Had [he]_{6269-your son} died in [his]_{6269-your son} bed , as [I]_173-robert sometimes thought [he]_{6269-your son} would , "_[173-robert] continued [Robert Audley]_173-robert , " of a broken heart , [I]_173-robert should have mourned for [him]_{6269-your son} very sincerely , even though [I]_173-robert had closed [his]_{6269-your son} eyes with [my]_173-robert own hands , and had seen [him]_{6269-your son} laid in [his]_{6269-your son} quiet resting - place . [I]_173-robert should have grieved for [[my]_173-robert old schoolfellow]_{6297-my old schoolfellow} , and for [the companion who had been dear to [me]_173-robert]_{6298-the companion who had been dear to me} . But this grief would have been a very small one compared to that which [I]_173-robert feel now , believing , as [I]_173-robert do only too firmly , that [[my]_173-robert poor friend]_{6106-my poor friend} has been murdered . "_[173-robert] " Murdered ! "_{[2066-the father]} [The father]_{2066-the father} and [daughter]_{1473-daughter} simultaneously repeated the horrible word . [The father]_{2066-the father} 's face changed to a ghastly duskiness of hue ; [the daughter]_{2431-the daughter} 's face dropped upon [her]_{2431-the daughter} clasped hands , and was never lifted again throughout the interview . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , [you]_173-robert are mad ! "_{[239-mr. talboys]} exclaimed [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} ; " [you]_173-robert are mad , or else [you]_173-robert are commissioned by [[your]_173-robert friend]_{5065-your friend} to play upon [my]_{239-mr. talboys} feelings . [I]_{239-mr. talboys} protest against this proceeding as a conspiracy , and [I]_{239-mr. talboys} — [I]_{239-mr. talboys} revoke [my]_{239-mr. talboys} intended forgiveness of [the person who was once [[my]_{239-mr. talboys} son]_{6234-my son}]_{6271-the person who was once my son} ! "_{[239-mr. talboys]} [He]_{2066-the father} was [himself]_{2066-the father} again as [he]_{2066-the father} said this . The blow had been a sharp one , but its effect had been momentary . " It is far from [my]_173-robert wish to alarm [you]_173-robert unnecessarily , [sir]_900-sir , "_[173-robert] answered [Robert]_173-robert . " Heaven grant that [you]_173-robert may be right and [I]_173-robert wrong . [I]_173-robert pray for it , but [I]_173-robert can not think it — [I]_173-robert can not even hope it . [I]_173-robert come to [you]_173-robert for advice . [I]_173-robert will state to [you]_173-robert plainly and dispassionately the circumstances which have aroused [my]_173-robert suspicions . If [you]_173-robert say those suspicions are foolish and unfounded [I]_173-robert am ready to submit to [your]_173-robert better judgment . [I]_173-robert will leave [England]_7-england ; and [I]_173-robert abandon [my]_173-robert search for the evidence wanting to — to confirm [my]_173-robert fears . If [you]_173-robert say go on , [I]_173-robert will go on . "_[173-robert] Nothing could be more gratifying to the vanity of [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} than this appeal . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} declared [himself]_{239-mr. talboys} ready to listen to all that [Robert]_173-robert might have to say , and ready to assist [him]_173-robert to the uttermost of [his]_173-robert power . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} laid some stress upon this last assurance , deprecating the value of [his]_{239-mr. talboys} advice with an affectation that was as transparent as [his]_{239-mr. talboys} vanity itself . [Robert Audley]_173-robert drew [his]_173-robert chair nearer to that of [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , and commenced a minutely detailed account of all that had occurred to [George]_{181-george talboys} from the time of [his]_173-robert arrival in [England]_7-england to the hour of [his]_173-robert disappearance , as well as all that had occurred since [his]_173-robert disappearance in any way touching upon that particular subject . [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} listened with demonstrative attention , now and then interrupting [the speaker]_{4906-the speaker} to ask some magisterial kind of question . [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} never once lifted [her]_{256-clara talboys} face from [her]_{256-clara talboys} clasped hands . The hands of the clock pointed to a quarter past eleven when [Robert]_173-robert began [his]_173-robert story . The clock struck twelve as [he]_173-robert finished . [He]_173-robert had carefully suppressed the names of [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} and [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's wife]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} in relating the circumstances in which [they]_2436-they had been concerned . " Now , [sir]_900-sir , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , when the story had been told , " [I]_173-robert await [your]_900-sir decision . [You]_900-sir have heard [my]_173-robert reasons for coming to this terrible conclusion . In what manner do these reasons influence [you]_900-sir ? "_[173-robert] " They do n't in any way turn [me]_{239-mr. talboys} from [my]_{239-mr. talboys} previous opinion , "_{[239-mr. talboys]} answered [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , with the unreasoning pride of [an obstinate man]_{2437-an obstinate man} . " [I]_{239-mr. talboys} still think , as [I]_{239-mr. talboys} thought before , that [[my]_{239-mr. talboys} son]_{6234-my son} is alive , and that [his]_{6234-my son} disappearance is a conspiracy against [myself]_{239-mr. talboys} . [I]_{239-mr. talboys} decline to become [the victim of that conspiracy]_{6306-the victim of that conspiracy} . "_{[239-mr. talboys]} " And [you]_900-sir tell [me]_173-robert to stop ? "_[173-robert] asked [Robert]_173-robert , solemnly . " [I]_173-robert tell [you]_900-sir only this : If [you]_900-sir go on , [you]_900-sir go on for [your]_900-sir own satisfaction , not for [mine]_173-robert . [I]_173-robert see nothing in what [you]_900-sir have told [me]_173-robert to alarm [me]_173-robert for the safety of — [[your]_900-sir friend]_{5065-your friend} . "_[173-robert] " So be it , then ! "_[173-robert] exclaimed [Robert]_173-robert , suddenly ; " from this moment [I]_173-robert wash [my]_173-robert hands of this business . From this moment the purpose of [my]_173-robert life shall be to forget it . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert rose as [he]_173-robert spoke , and took [his]_173-robert hat from the table on which [he]_173-robert had placed it . [He]_173-robert looked at [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} . [Her]_{256-clara talboys} attitude had never changed since [she]_{256-clara talboys} had dropped [her]_{256-clara talboys} face upon [her]_{256-clara talboys} hands . " Good morning , [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , gravely . " [God]_164-god grant that [you]_{239-mr. talboys} are right . [God]_164-god grant that [I]_173-robert am wrong . But [I]_173-robert fear a day will come when [you]_{239-mr. talboys} will have reason to regret [your]_{239-mr. talboys} apathy respecting the untimely fate of [[your]_{239-mr. talboys} only son]_{6308-your only son} . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert bowed gravely to [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} and to [the lady]_{673-the lady} , whose face was hidden by [her]_{673-the lady} hands . [He]_173-robert lingered for a moment looking at [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , thinking that [she]_{256-clara talboys} would look up , that [she]_{256-clara talboys} would make some sign , or show some desire to detain [him]_173-robert . [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} rang for [the emotionless servant]_{2439-the emotionless servant} , who led [Robert]_173-robert off to [the hall]_{804-the hall} - door with the solemnity of manner which would have been in perfect keeping had [he]_{2439-the emotionless servant} been leading [him]_173-robert to execution . " [She]_{673-the lady} is like [[her]_{673-the lady} father]_{481-her father} , "_[173-robert] thought [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , as [he]_173-robert glanced for the last time at the drooping head . " [Poor George]_259-george , [you]_259-george had need of [one friend in [this world]_{2310-this world}]_{6310-one friend in this world} , for [you]_259-george have had very few to love [you]_259-george . "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert found [the driver]_{2351-the driver} asleep upon the box of [[his]_173-robert lumbering vehicle]_{2442-his lumbering vehicle} . [He]_173-robert had been entertained with beer of so hard a nature as to induce temporary strangulation in the daring imbiber thereof , and [he]_173-robert was very glad to welcome the return of [his]_173-robert fare . The old white horse , who looked as if [he]_173-robert had been foaled in the year in which [the carriage]_{5171-the carriage} had been built , and seemed , like [the carriage]_{5171-the carriage} , to have outlived the fashion , was as fast asleep as [[his]_173-robert master]_{2445-his master} , and woke up with a jerk as [Robert]_173-robert came down the stony flight of steps , attended by [[his]_173-robert executioner]_{2446-his executioner} , who waited respectfully till [Mr. Audley]_173-robert had entered [the vehicle]_{1673-the vehicle} and been turned off . [The horse , roused by a smack of]_{2448-the horse , roused by a smack of} [his]_173-robert driver 's whip and a shake of the shabby reins , crawled off in a semi - somnambulent state ; and [Robert]_173-robert , with [his]_173-robert hat very much over [his]_173-robert eyes , thought of [[his]_173-robert missing friend]_{1256-his missing friend} . [He]_173-robert had played in [these stiff gardens]_{2450-these stiff gardens} , and under these dreary firs , years ago , perhaps — if it were possible for [the most frolicsome youth]_{2451-the most frolicsome youth} to be playful within the range of [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} ' hard gray eyes . [He]_173-robert had played beneath these dark trees , perhaps , with [the sister who had heard of [his]_173-robert fate to - day without a tear]_{2452-the sister who had heard of his fate to - day without a tear} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert looked at the rigid primness of [the orderly grounds]_{2453-the orderly grounds} , wondering how [George]_259-george could have grown up in such a place to be [the frank , generous , careless friend whom [he]_259-george had known]_{2454-the frank , generous , careless friend whom he had known} . How was it that with [[his]_173-robert father]_{709-his father} perpetually before [his]_173-robert eyes , [he]_173-robert had not grown up after [the father]_{2066-the father} 's disagreeable model , to be a nuisance to [[his]_173-robert fellow - men]_{2457-his fellow - men} ? How was it ? Because [we]_2458-we have [Some One higher than [[our]_2458-we parents]_{2460-our parents}]_{2459-some one higher than our parents} to thank for the souls which make [us]_2458-we great or small ; and because , while [family noses]_{2461-family noses} and family chins may descend in orderly sequence from [father]_2462-father to [son]_2463-son , from [grandsire]_{2464-grandsire} to [grandchild]_{2465-grandchild} , as the fashion of the fading flowers of one year is reproduced in the budding blossoms of the next , the spirit , more subtle than the wind which blows among those flowers , independent of all earthly rule , owns no order but the harmonious law of [God]_164-god . " Thank [God]_164-god ! "_[173-robert] thought [Robert Audley]_173-robert ; " thank [God]_164-god ! it is over . [[My]_173-robert poor friend]_{6106-my poor friend} must rest in [[his]_{6106-my poor friend} unknown grave]_{6313-his unknown grave} ; and [I]_173-robert shall not be the means of bringing disgrace upon those [I]_173-robert love . It will come , perhaps , sooner or later , but it will not come through [me]_173-robert . The crisis is past , and [I]_173-robert am free . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert felt an unutterable relief in this thought . [His]_173-robert generous nature revolted at [the office into which [he]_173-robert had found [himself]_173-robert drawn]_{2466-the office into which he had found himself drawn} — [the office of [spy]_2468-spy]_{2467-the office of spy} , [the collector of damning facts that led on to horrible deductions]_{2469-the collector of damning facts that led on to horrible deductions} . [He]_173-robert drew a long breath — a sigh of relief at [his]_173-robert release . It was all over now . The fly was crawling out of the gate of [the plantation]_{2470-the plantation} as [he]_173-robert thought this , and [he]_173-robert stood up in [the vehicle]_{1673-the vehicle} to look back at the dreary fir - trees , [the gravel paths]_{2472-the gravel paths} , the smooth grass , and [the great desolate - looking , red - brick mansion]_{2473-the great desolate - looking , red - brick mansion} . [He]_173-robert was startled by the appearance of [a woman running , almost flying]_{2474-a woman running , almost flying} , along [the carriage - drive by which [he]_173-robert had come]_{2475-the carriage - drive by which he had come} , and waving a handkerchief in [her]_{2474-a woman running , almost flying} uplifted hand . [He]_173-robert stared at [this singular apparition]_{2476-this singular apparition} for some moments in silent wonder before [he]_173-robert was able to reduce [his]_173-robert stupefaction into words . " Is it [me]_173-robert [the flying female]_{6314-the flying female} wants ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert exclaimed , at last . " [You]_{2299-the flyman} 'd better stop , perhaps , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert added , to [the flyman]_{2299-the flyman} . " It is an age of eccentricity , an abnormal era of [the world]_{519-the world} 's history . [She]_{6314-the flying female} may want [me]_173-robert . Very likely [I]_173-robert left [my]_173-robert pocket - handkerchief behind [me]_173-robert , and [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} has sent [this person]_{5546-this person} with it . Perhaps [I]_173-robert 'd better get out and go and meet [her]_{6314-the flying female} . It 's civil to send [my]_173-robert handkerchief . "_[173-robert] [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert deliberately descended from the fly and walked slowly toward the hurrying female figure , which gained upon [him]_173-robert rapidly . [He]_173-robert was rather short sighted , and it was not until [she]_2478-she came very near to [him]_173-robert that [he]_173-robert saw who [she]_2478-she was . " [Good Heaven]_201-heaven ! "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert exclaimed , " it 's [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} . "_[173-robert] [It]_2478-she was [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , flushed and breathless , with a woolen shawl thrown over [her]_{256-clara talboys} head . [Robert Audley]_173-robert now saw [her]_{256-clara talboys} face clearly for the first time , and [he]_173-robert saw that [she]_{256-clara talboys} was very handsome . [She]_{256-clara talboys} had brown eyes , like [George]_259-george 's , a pale complexion ( [she]_{256-clara talboys} had been flushed when [she]_{256-clara talboys} approached [him]_173-robert , but the color faded away as [she]_{256-clara talboys} recovered [her]_{256-clara talboys} breath ) , regular features , with a mobility of expression which bore record of every change of feeling . [He]_173-robert saw all this in a few moments , and [he]_173-robert wondered only the more at the stoicism of [her]_{256-clara talboys} manner during [his]_173-robert interview with [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} . There were no tears in [her]_{256-clara talboys} eyes , but they were bright with a feverish luster — terribly bright and dry — and [he]_173-robert could see that [her]_{256-clara talboys} lips trembled as [she]_{256-clara talboys} spoke to [him]_173-robert . " [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " what can [I]_173-robert — why — "_[173-robert] [She]_{256-clara talboys} interrupted [him]_173-robert suddenly , catching at [his]_173-robert wrist with [her]_{256-clara talboys} disengaged hand — [she]_{256-clara talboys} was holding [her]_{256-clara talboys} shawl in the other . " Oh , let [me]_{256-clara talboys} speak to [you]_173-robert , "_{[256-clara talboys]} [she]_{256-clara talboys} cried—"let [me]_{256-clara talboys} speak to [you]_173-robert , or [I]_{256-clara talboys} shall go mad . [I]_{256-clara talboys} heard it all . [I]_{256-clara talboys} believe what [you]_173-robert believe , and [I]_{256-clara talboys} shall go mad unless [I]_{256-clara talboys} can do something — something toward avenging [his]_173-robert death . "_{[256-clara talboys]} For a few moments [Robert Audley]_173-robert was too much bewildered to answer [her]_{256-clara talboys} . Of all things possible upon [earth]_1036-earth [he]_173-robert had least expected to behold [her]_{256-clara talboys} thus . " Take [my]_173-robert arm , [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said . " Pray calm [yourself]_{256-clara talboys} . Let [us]_6317-us walk a little way back toward [the house]_{388-the house} , and talk quietly . [I]_173-robert would not have spoken as [I]_173-robert did before [you]_{256-clara talboys} had [I]_173-robert known — "_[173-robert] " Had [you]_173-robert known that [I]_{256-clara talboys} loved [[my]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6319-my brother} ? "_{[256-clara talboys]} [she]_{256-clara talboys} said , quickly . " How should [you]_173-robert know that [I]_2480-i loved [him]_{6319-my brother} ? How should [any one]_{5101-any one} think that [I]_2480-i loved [him]_{6319-my brother} , when [I]_2480-i have never had power to give [him]_{6319-my brother} a welcome beneath that roof , or a kindly word from [[his]_{6319-my brother} father]_{709-his father} ? How should [I]_2480-i dare to betray [my]_2480-i love for [him]_{6319-my brother} in [that house]_{6322-that house} when [I]_2480-i knew that even [a sister]_{6323-a sister} 's affection would be turned to [his]_{6319-my brother} disadvantage ? [You]_173-robert do not know [[my]_2480-i father]_{4643-my father} , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . [I]_2480-i do . [I]_2480-i knew that to intercede for [George]_259-george would have been to ruin [his]_{6319-my brother} cause . [I]_2480-i knew that to leave matters in [[my]_2480-i father]_{4643-my father} 's hands , and to trust to time , was [my]_2480-i only chance of ever seeing [that dear brother]_{6326-that dear brother} again . And [I]_2480-i waited — waited patiently , always hoping for the best ; for [I]_2480-i knew that [[my]_2480-i father]_{4643-my father} loved [[his]_{4643-my father} only son]_{2318-his only son} . [I]_2480-i see [your]_173-robert contemptuous smile , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , and [I]_2480-i dare say it is difficult for [a stranger]_{1506-a stranger} to believe that underneath [his]_{4643-my father} affected stoicism [[my]_2480-i father]_{4643-my father} conceals some degree of affection for [[his]_{4643-my father} children]_{6331-his children} — no very warm attachment perhaps , for [he]_{4643-my father} has always ruled [his]_{4643-my father} life by the strict law of duty . Stop , "_[2480-i] [she]_2480-i said , suddenly , laying [her]_2480-i hand upon [his]_2481-his arm , and looking back through [the straight avenue of pines]_{2482-the straight avenue of pines} ; " [I]_2480-i ran out of [the house]_{388-the house} by the back way . [Papa]_188-papa must not see [me]_2480-i talking to [you]_173-robert , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , and [he]_188-papa must not see the fly standing at the gate . Will [you]_2480-i go into [the high - road]_{6333-the high - road} and tell [the man]_{634-the man} to drive on a little way ? [I]_2480-i will come out of [the plantation]_{2470-the plantation} by a little gate further on , and meet [you]_2480-i in [the road]_{1231-the road} . "_[2480-i] " But [you]_2480-i will catch cold , [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , "_[173-robert] remonstrated [Robert]_173-robert , looking at [her]_2480-i anxiously , for [he]_173-robert saw that [she]_2480-i was trembling . " [You]_2480-i are shivering now . "_[173-robert] " Not with cold , "_[2480-i] [she]_2480-i answered . " [I]_2480-i am thinking of [[my]_2480-i brother]_{6319-my brother} [George]_259-george . If [you]_2480-i have any pity for [the only sister of [[your]_2480-i lost friend]_{6339-your lost friend}]_{6338-the only sister of your lost friend} , do what [I]_2480-i ask [you]_2480-i , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . [I]_2480-i must speak to [you]_2480-i — [I]_2480-i must speak to [you]_2480-i — calmly , if [I]_2480-i can . "_[2480-i] [She]_2480-i put [her]_2480-i hand to [her]_2480-i head as if trying to collect [her]_2480-i thoughts , and then pointed to the gate . [Robert]_173-robert bowed and left [her]_2480-i . [He]_173-robert told [the man]_{634-the man} to drive slowly toward [the station]_{1271-the station} , and walked on by the side of the tarred fence surrounding [[Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} ' grounds]_{2485-mr. talboys ' grounds} . About a hundred yards beyond the principal entrance [he]_173-robert came to a little wooden gate in the fence , and waited at [it]_2486-it for [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} . [She]_{256-clara talboys} joined [him]_173-robert presently , with [her]_{256-clara talboys} shawl still over [her]_{256-clara talboys} head , and [her]_{256-clara talboys} eyes still bright and tearless . " Will [you]_173-robert walk with [me]_{256-clara talboys} inside [the plantation]_{2470-the plantation} ? "_{[256-clara talboys]} [she]_{256-clara talboys} said . " [We]_6341-we might be observed on [the high - road]_{6333-the high - road} . "_{[256-clara talboys]} [He]_173-robert bowed , passed through the gate , and shut it behind [him]_173-robert . When [she]_{256-clara talboys} took [his]_173-robert offered arm [he]_173-robert found that [she]_{256-clara talboys} was still trembling — trembling very violently . " Pray , pray calm [yourself]_{256-clara talboys} , [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said ; " [I]_173-robert may have been deceived in the opinion which [I]_173-robert have formed ; [I]_173-robert may — "_[173-robert] " No , no , no , "_{[256-clara talboys]} [she]_{256-clara talboys} exclaimed , " [you]_173-robert are not deceived . [[My]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6319-my brother} has been murdered . Tell [me]_{256-clara talboys} the name of [that woman]_{6093-that woman} — [the woman whom [you]_{256-clara talboys} suspect of being concerned in [his]_{6319-my brother} disappearance — in [his]_{6319-my brother} murder]_{6345-the woman whom you suspect of being concerned in his disappearance — in his murder} . "_{[256-clara talboys]} " That [I]_173-robert can not do until — "_[173-robert] " Until when ? "_[173-robert] " Until [I]_173-robert know that [she]_{6093-that woman} is guilty . "_[173-robert] " [You]_{256-clara talboys} told [[my]_173-robert father]_{4643-my father} that [you]_{256-clara talboys} would abandon all idea of discovering the truth — that [you]_{256-clara talboys} would rest satisfied to leave [[my]_173-robert brother]_{6319-my brother} 's fate a horrible mystery never to be solved upon [this earth]_{1644-this earth} ; but [you]_{256-clara talboys} will not do so , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert — [you]_{256-clara talboys} will not be false to the memory of [[your]_{256-clara talboys} friend]_{5065-your friend} . [You]_{256-clara talboys} will see vengeance done upon [those who have destroyed [him]_{6319-my brother}]_{6350-those who have destroyed him} . [You]_{256-clara talboys} will do this , will [you]_{256-clara talboys} not ? "_[173-robert] A gloomy shadow spread itself like a dark veil over [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's handsome face . [He]_173-robert remembered what [he]_173-robert had said the day before at [Southampton]_{33-southampton} : " A hand that is stronger than [my]_173-robert own is beckoning [me]_173-robert onward , upon [the dark road]_{6127-the dark road} . "_[173-robert] A quarter of an hour before , [he]_173-robert had believed that all was over , and that [he]_173-robert was released from the dreadful duty of discovering the secret of [George]_259-george 's death . Now [this girl]_{2487-this girl} , [this apparently passionless girl]_{2488-this apparently passionless girl} , had found a voice , and was urging [him]_173-robert on toward [his]_173-robert fate . " If [you]_{2487-this girl} knew what misery to [me]_173-robert may be involved in discovering the truth , [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " [you]_{2487-this girl} would scarcely ask [me]_173-robert to pursue this business any farther ? "_[173-robert] " But [I]_{2487-this girl} do ask [you]_173-robert , "_{[2487-this girl]} [she]_{2487-this girl} answered , with suppressed passion—"I do ask [you]_173-robert . [I]_173-robert ask [you]_173-robert to avenge [[my]_173-robert brother]_{6319-my brother} 's untimely death . Will [you]_173-robert do so ? Yes or no ? "_[173-robert] " What if [I]_173-robert answer no ? "_[173-robert] " Then [I]_{2487-this girl} will do it [myself]_{2487-this girl} , "_{[2487-this girl]} [she]_{2487-this girl} exclaimed , looking at [him]_173-robert with [her]_{2487-this girl} bright brown eyes . " [I]_{2487-this girl} [myself]_{2487-this girl} will follow up the clew to this mystery ; [I]_{2487-this girl} will find [this woman]_{557-this woman} — though [you]_173-robert refuse to tell [me]_{2487-this girl} in what part of [England]_7-england [[my]_{2487-this girl} brother]_{6319-my brother} disappeared . [I]_{2487-this girl} will travel from [one end of [the world]_{519-the world}]_{6355-one end of the world} to the other to find the secret of [his]_{6319-my brother} fate , if [you]_173-robert refuse to find it for [me]_{2487-this girl} . [I]_{2487-this girl} am of age ; [[my]_{2487-this girl} own mistress]_{6357-my own mistress} ; rich , for [I]_{2487-this girl} have money left [me]_{2487-this girl} by [one of [[my]_{2487-this girl} aunts]_{6359-my aunts}]_{6358-one of my aunts} ; [I]_{2487-this girl} shall be able to employ [those who will help [me]_{2487-this girl} in [my]_{2487-this girl} search]_{6360-those who will help me in my search} , and [I]_{2487-this girl} will make it to [their]_{6360-those who will help me in my search} interest to serve [me]_{2487-this girl} well . Choose between the two alternatives , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . Shall [you]_2489-he or [I]_{2487-this girl} find [[[my]_{2487-this girl} brother]_{6319-my brother} 's murderer]_{6362-my brother 's murderer} ? "_{[2487-this girl]} [He]_2489-he looked in [her]_2490-her face , and saw that [her]_2490-her resolution was the fruit of [no transient womanish enthusiasm which would give way under the iron hand of difficulty]_{2491-no transient womanish enthusiasm which would give way under the iron hand of difficulty} . [Her]_2490-her beautiful features , naturally statuesque in their noble outlines , seemed transformed into marble by the rigidity of [her]_2490-her expression . The face in which [he]_2489-he looked was the face of [a woman whom death only could turn]_{2492-a woman whom death only could turn} from [her]_{2492-a woman whom death only could turn} purpose . " [I]_2490-her have grown up in an atmosphere of suppression , "_[2490-her] [she]_2490-her said , quietly ; " [I]_2493-i have stifled and dwarfed the natural feelings of [my]_2493-i heart , until they have become unnatural in their intensity ; [I]_2493-i have been allowed neither [friends]_1050-friends nor [lovers]_6364-lovers . [[My]_2493-i mother]_{4646-my mother} died when [I]_2493-i was very young . [[My]_2493-i father]_{4643-my father} has always been to [me]_2493-i what [you]_6367-you saw [him]_{4643-my father} to - day . [I]_2493-i have had [no one]_{507-no one} but [[my]_2493-i brother]_{6319-my brother} . All the love that [my]_2493-i heart can hold has been centered upon [him]_{4643-my father} . Do [you]_6367-you wonder , then , that when [I]_2493-i hear that [his]_{4643-my father} young life has been ended by the hand of treachery , that [I]_2493-i wish to see vengeance done upon [the traitor]_{6370-the traitor} ? Oh , [[my]_2493-i God]_{5536-my god} , "_[2493-i] [she]_2493-i cried , suddenly clasping [her]_2493-i hands , and looking up at the cold winter sky , " lead [me]_2493-i to [the murderer of [[my]_2493-i brother]_{6319-my brother}]_{6372-the murderer of my brother} , and let [mine]_2493-i be the hand to avenge [his]_{6319-my brother} untimely death . "_[2493-i] [Robert Audley]_173-robert stood looking at [her]_2493-i with awe - stricken admiration . [Her]_2493-i beauty was elevated into sublimity by the intensity of [her]_2493-i suppressed passion . [She]_2493-i was different to [all other women that [he]_173-robert had ever seen]_{2494-all other women that he had ever seen} . [[His]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} was pretty , [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's wife]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} was lovely , but [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} was beautiful . [Niobe]_260-niobe 's face , sublimated by sorrow , could scarcely have been more purely classical than [hers]_260-niobe . Even [her]_2493-i dress , puritan in its gray simplicity , became [her]_2493-i beauty better than a more beautiful dress would have become [a less beautiful woman]_{2498-a less beautiful woman} . " [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , after a pause , " [[your]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6374-your brother} shall not be unavenged . [He]_{6374-your brother} shall not be forgotten . [I]_173-robert do not think that any professional aid which [you]_{256-clara talboys} could procure would lead [you]_{256-clara talboys} as surely to the secret of this mystery as [I]_173-robert can lead [you]_{256-clara talboys} , if [you]_{256-clara talboys} are patient and trust [me]_173-robert . "_[173-robert] " [I]_2493-i will trust [you]_173-robert , "_[2493-i] [she]_2493-i answered , " for [I]_2493-i see that [you]_173-robert will help [me]_2493-i . "_[2493-i] " [I]_173-robert believe that it is [my]_173-robert destiny to do so , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , solemnly . In the whole course of [his]_173-robert conversation with [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert had carefully avoided making any deductions from the circumstances which [he]_173-robert had submitted to [[George]_259-george 's father]_{6230-george 's father} . [He]_173-robert had simply told the story of [the missing man]_{2033-the missing man} 's life , from the hour of [his]_173-robert arriving in [London]_3-london to that of [his]_173-robert disappearance ; but [he]_173-robert saw that [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} had arrived at the same conclusion as [himself]_173-robert , and that it was tacitly understood between [them]_2501-them . " Have [you]_{256-clara talboys} any letters of [[your]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6374-your brother} 's , [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert asked . " Two . One written soon after [his]_173-robert marriage , the other written at [Liverpool]_6-liverpool , the night before [he]_173-robert sailed for [Australia]_11-australia . "_[173-robert] " Will [you]_{256-clara talboys} let [me]_173-robert see [them]_6376-them ? "_[173-robert] " Yes , [I]_{256-clara talboys} will send [them]_6376-them to [you]_{256-clara talboys} if [you]_{256-clara talboys} will give [me]_{256-clara talboys} [your]_{256-clara talboys} address . [You]_{256-clara talboys} will write to [me]_{256-clara talboys} from time to time , will [you]_{256-clara talboys} not , to tell [me]_{256-clara talboys} whether [you]_{256-clara talboys} are approaching the truth . [I]_{256-clara talboys} shall be obliged to act secretly here , but [I]_{256-clara talboys} am going to leave [home]_479-home in two or three months , and [I]_{256-clara talboys} shall be perfectly free then to act as [I]_{256-clara talboys} please . "_{[256-clara talboys]} " [You]_{256-clara talboys} are not going to leave [England]_7-england ? "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert asked . " Oh no ! [I]_173-robert am only going to pay a long - promised visit to [some friends in [Essex]_2-essex]_{6378-some friends in essex} . "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert started so violently as [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} said this , that [she]_{256-clara talboys} looked suddenly at [his]_173-robert face . The agitation visible there , betrayed a part of [his]_173-robert secret . " [[My]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6319-my brother} [George]_259-george disappeared in [Essex]_2-essex , "_{[256-clara talboys]} [she]_{256-clara talboys} said . [He]_173-robert could not contradict [her]_{256-clara talboys} . " [I]_173-robert am sorry [you]_{256-clara talboys} have discovered so much , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert replied . " [My]_173-robert position becomes every day more complicated , every day more painful . Good - bye . "_[173-robert] [She]_{256-clara talboys} gave [him]_173-robert [her]_{256-clara talboys} hand mechanically , when [he]_173-robert held out [his]_173-robert ; but it was cold as marble , and lay listlessly in [his]_173-robert own , and fell like a log at [her]_{256-clara talboys} side when [he]_173-robert released it . " [Pray]_261-pray lose no time in returning to [the house]_{388-the house} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said earnestly . " [I]_173-robert fear [you]_{256-clara talboys} will suffer from this morning 's work . "_[173-robert] " Suffer ! "_{[256-clara talboys]} [she]_{256-clara talboys} exclaimed , scornfully . " [You]_173-robert talk to [me]_{256-clara talboys} of suffering , when [the only creature in [this world]_{2310-this world} who ever loved [me]_{256-clara talboys}]_{6381-the only creature in this world who ever loved me} has been taken from it in the bloom of youth . What can there be for [me]_{256-clara talboys} henceforth but suffering ? What is the cold to [me]_{256-clara talboys} ? "_{[256-clara talboys]} [she]_{256-clara talboys} said , flinging back [her]_{256-clara talboys} shawl and baring [her]_{256-clara talboys} beautiful head to the bitter wind . " [I]_{256-clara talboys} would walk from here to [London]_3-london barefoot through the snow , and never stop by the way , if [I]_{256-clara talboys} could bring [him]_6383-him back to life . What would [I]_{256-clara talboys} not do to bring [him]_6383-him back ? What would [I]_{256-clara talboys} not do ? "_{[256-clara talboys]} The words broke from [her]_{256-clara talboys} in a wail of passionate sorrow ; and clasping [her]_{256-clara talboys} hands before [her]_{256-clara talboys} face , [she]_{256-clara talboys} wept for the first time that day . The violence of [her]_{256-clara talboys} sobs shook [her]_{256-clara talboys} slender frame , and [she]_{256-clara talboys} was obliged to lean against the trunk of a tree for support . [Robert]_173-robert looked at [her]_{256-clara talboys} with a tender compassion in [his]_173-robert face ; [she]_{256-clara talboys} was so like [the friend whom [he]_173-robert had loved and lost]_{2502-the friend whom he had loved and lost} , that it was impossible for [him]_173-robert to think of [her]_{256-clara talboys} as [a stranger]_{1506-a stranger} ; impossible to remember that [they]_2504-us had met that morning for the first time . " Pray , pray be calm , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said : " hope even against hope . [We]_2504-us may both be deceived ; [[your]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6374-your brother} may still live . "_[173-robert] " Oh ! if it were so , "_{[256-clara talboys]} [she]_{256-clara talboys} murmured , passionately ; " if it could be so . "_{[256-clara talboys]} " Let [us]_2504-us try and hope that it may be so . "_[173-robert] " No , "_{[256-clara talboys]} [she]_{256-clara talboys} answered , looking at [him]_173-robert through [her]_{256-clara talboys} tears , " let [us]_2504-us hope for nothing but revenge . Good - by , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . Stop ; [your]_173-robert address . "_{[256-clara talboys]} [He]_173-robert gave [her]_{256-clara talboys} a card , which [she]_{256-clara talboys} put into the pocket of [her]_{256-clara talboys} dress . " [I]_{256-clara talboys} will send [you]_173-robert [George]_259-george 's letters , "_{[256-clara talboys]} [she]_{256-clara talboys} said ; " [they]_6385-they may help [you]_173-robert . Good - by . "_{[256-clara talboys]} [She]_{256-clara talboys} left [him]_173-robert half bewildered by the passionate energy of [her]_{256-clara talboys} manner , and the noble beauty of [her]_{256-clara talboys} face . [He]_173-robert watched [her]_{256-clara talboys} as [she]_{256-clara talboys} disappeared among the straight trunks of the fir - trees , and then walked slowly out of [the plantation]_{2470-the plantation} . " Heaven help those who stand between [me]_173-robert and the secret , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought , " for [they]_6386-they will be sacrificed to the memory of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert did not return to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} , but took a ticket for [the first up town train that left [Wareham]_82-wareham]_{2506-the first up town train that left wareham} , and reached [Waterloo Bridge]_{84-waterloo bridge} an hour or two after dark . The snow , which had been hard and crisp in [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} , was a black and greasy slush in [the Waterloo Road]_{2507-the waterloo road} , thawed by the flaring lamps of [the gin - palaces]_{2508-the gin - palaces} and the glaring gas in [[the butchers]_{2509-the butchers} ' shops]_{2510-the butchers ' shops} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert shrugged [his]_173-robert shoulders as [he]_173-robert looked at [the dingy streets through which [the Hansom]_{85-the hansom} carried [him]_173-robert]_{2511-the dingy streets through which the hansom carried him} , [the cab - man]_{2512-the cab - man} choosing — with that delicious instinct which seems innate in [the drivers of [hackney vehicles]_{2514-hackney vehicles}]_{2513-the drivers of hackney vehicles} — [all those dark and hideous thoroughfares utterly unknown to [the ordinary pedestrian]_{2516-the ordinary pedestrian}]_{2515-all those dark and hideous thoroughfares utterly unknown to the ordinary pedestrian} . " What a pleasant thing life is , "_{[955-the barrister]} thought [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} . " What an unspeakable boon — what an overpowering blessing ! Let [any man]_{6387-any man} make a calculation of [his]_{6387-any man} existence , subtracting the hours in which [he]_{6387-any man} has been thoroughly happy — really and entirely at [his]_{6387-any man} ease , without one arriere pensée to mar [his]_{6387-any man} enjoyment — without the most infinitesimal cloud to overshadow the brightness of [his]_{6387-any man} horizon . Let [him]_{6387-any man} do this , and surely [he]_{6387-any man} will laugh in utter bitterness of soul when [he]_{6387-any man} sets down the sum of [his]_{6387-any man} felicity , and discovers the pitiful smallness of the amount . [He]_{6387-any man} will have enjoyed [himself]_{6387-any man} for a week or ten days in thirty years , perhaps . In thirty years of dull December , and blustering March , and showery April , and dark November weather , there may have been seven or eight glorious August days , through which the sun has blazed in cloudless radiance , and the summer breezes have breathed perpetual balm . How fondly [we]_6388-us recollect these solitary days of pleasure , and hope for [their]_6389-their recurrence , and try to plan the circumstances that made them bright ; and arrange , and predestinate , and diplomatize with fate for a renewal of the remembered joy . As if any joy could ever be built up out of such and such constituent parts ! As if happiness were not essentially accidental — a bright and wandering bird , utterly irregular in its migrations ; with [us]_6388-us one summer 's day , and forever gone from [us]_6388-us on the next ! Look at marriages , for instance , "_[173-robert] mused [Robert]_173-robert , who was as meditative in [the jolting vehicle]_{2518-the jolting vehicle} , for whose occupation [he]_173-robert was to pay sixpence a mile , as if [he]_173-robert had been riding [a mustang]_{2519-a mustang} on [the wild loneliness of [the prairies]_{2521-the prairies}]_{2520-the wild loneliness of the prairies} . " Look at marriage ! Who is to say which shall be [the one judicious selection out of nine hundred and ninety - nine mistakes]_{6390-the one judicious selection out of nine hundred and ninety - nine mistakes} ! Who shall decide from the first aspect of the slimy creature , which is to be the one eel out of the colossal bag of snakes ? [That girl on the curbstone yonder]_{6391-that girl on the curbstone yonder} , waiting to cross [the street]_{4740-the street} when [[my]_{955-the barrister} chariot]_{6393-my chariot} shall have passed , may be [the one woman out of every female creature in [this vast universe]_{6395-this vast universe} who could make [me]_{955-the barrister} [a happy man]_{6396-a happy man}]_{6394-the one woman out of every female creature in this vast universe who could make me a happy man} . Yet [I]_{955-the barrister} pass [her]_{6391-that girl on the curbstone yonder} by — bespatter [her]_{6391-that girl on the curbstone yonder} with the mud from [my]_{955-the barrister} wheels , in [my]_{955-the barrister} helpless ignorance , in [my]_{955-the barrister} blind submission to the awful hand of fatality . If [that girl]_{6397-that girl} , [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , had been five minutes later , [I]_{955-the barrister} should have left [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} thinking [her]_{6397-that girl} cold , hard , and unwomanly , and should have gone to [my]_{955-the barrister} grave with that mistake part and parcel of [my]_{955-the barrister} mind . [I]_{955-the barrister} took [her]_{6397-that girl} for [a stately and heartless automaton]_{6398-a stately and heartless automaton} ; [I]_{955-the barrister} know [her]_{6397-that girl} now to be [a noble and beautiful woman]_{6399-a noble and beautiful woman} . What an incalculable difference this may make in [my]_{955-the barrister} life . When [I]_{955-the barrister} left [that house]_{6322-that house} , [I]_{955-the barrister} went out into the winter day with the determination of abandoning all further thought of the secret of [George]_{181-george talboys} 's death . [I]_{955-the barrister} see [her]_{6397-that girl} , and [she]_{6397-that girl} forces [me]_{955-the barrister} onward upon the loathsome path — the crooked by - way of watchfulness and suspicion . How can [I]_{955-the barrister} say to [this sister of [[my]_{955-the barrister} dead friend]_{6402-my dead friend}]_{6401-this sister of my dead friend} , ' [I]_{955-the barrister} believe that [[your]_{6401-this sister of my dead friend} brother]_{6374-your brother} has been murdered ! [I]_{955-the barrister} believe that [I]_{955-the barrister} know by whom , but [I]_{955-the barrister} will take no step to set [my]_{955-the barrister} doubts at rest , or to confirm [my]_{955-the barrister} fears ' ? [I]_{955-the barrister} can not say this . [This woman]_{557-this woman} knows half [my]_{955-the barrister} secret ; [she]_{557-this woman} will soon possess [herself]_{557-this woman} of the rest , and then — and then — "_{[955-the barrister]} [The cab]_{2522-the cab} stopped in the midst of [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's meditation , and [he]_173-robert had to pay [the cabman]_{1419-the cabman} , and submit to all the dreary mechanism of life , which is the same whether [we]_2524-we are glad or sorry — whether [we]_2524-we are to be married or hung , elevated to the woolsack , or disbarred by [[our]_2524-we brother]_{2525-our brother} benchers on some mysterious technical tangle of wrong - doing , which is a social enigma to those outside [the forum domesticum of [the Middle Temple]_{2527-the middle temple}]_{2526-the forum domesticum of the middle temple} . [We]_2524-we are apt to be angry with this cruel hardness in [our]_2524-we life — this unflinching regularity in the smaller wheels and meaner mechanism of the human machine , which knows no stoppage or cessation , though the mainspring be forever hollow , and the hands pointing to [purposeless figures on a shattered dial]_{2528-purposeless figures on a shattered dial} . Who has not felt , in the first madness of sorrow , an unreasoning rage against the mute propriety of chairs and tables , the stiff squareness of Turkey carpets , the unbending obstinacy of the outward apparatus of existence ? [We]_2524-we want to root up gigantic trees in [a primeval forest]_{2529-a primeval forest} , and to tear their huge branches asunder in [our]_2524-we convulsive grasp ; and the utmost that [we]_2524-we can do for the relief of [our]_2524-we passion is to knock over an easy - chair , or smash a few shillings ' worth of [Mr. Copeland]_{262-mr. copeland} 's manufacture . [Madhouses]_{2530-madhouses} are large and only too numerous ; yet surely it is strange [they]_{2530-madhouses} are not larger , when [we]_2524-we think of how [many helpless wretches]_{2531-many helpless wretches} must beat [their]_{2531-many helpless wretches} brains against this hopeless persistency of the orderly outward world , as compared with the storm and tempest , the riot and confusion within — when [we]_2524-we remember how many minds must tremble upon the narrow boundary between reason and unreason , mad to - day and sane to - morrow , mad yesterday and sane to - day . [Robert Audley]_173-robert had directed [the cabman]_{1419-the cabman} to drop [him]_{1419-the cabman} at [the corner of [Chancery Lane]_{51-chancery lane}]_{5707-the corner of chancery lane} , and [he]_{1419-the cabman} ascended the brilliantly - lighted staircase leading to [the dining - saloon of The London]_{2534-the dining - saloon of the london} , and seated [himself]_{1419-the cabman} at one of the snug tables with a confused sense of emptiness and weariness , rather than any agreeable sensation of healthy hunger . [He]_{1419-the cabman} had come to [the luxurious eating - house]_{2535-the luxurious eating - house} to dine , because it was absolutely necessary to eat something somewhere , and a great deal easier to get a very good dinner from [Mr. Sawyer]_{263-mr. sawyer} than a very bad one from [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} , whose mind ran in one narrow channel of chops and steaks , only variable by small creeks and outlets in the way of " broiled sole "_{[2538-the friendly waiter]} or " boiled mack'-rill . "_{[2538-the friendly waiter]} [The solicitous waiter]_{2536-the solicitous waiter} tried in vain to rouse [poor Robert]_173-robert to a proper sense of the solemnity of the dinner question . [He]_{1419-the cabman} muttered something to the effect that [the man]_{634-the man} might bring [him]_{1419-the cabman} anything [he]_{1419-the cabman} liked , and [the friendly waiter]_{2538-the friendly waiter} , who knew [Robert]_173-robert as [a frequent guest at the little tables]_{2539-a frequent guest at the little tables} , went back to [[his]_{2538-the friendly waiter} master]_{2445-his master} with a doleful face , to say that [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , from [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} , was evidently out of spirits . [Robert]_173-robert ate [his]_173-robert dinner , and drank a pint of [Moselle]_264-moselle ; but [he]_173-robert had poor appreciation of the excellence of the viands or the delicate fragrance of the wine . The mental monologue still went on , and [the young philosopher of the modern school]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} was arguing the favorite modern question of the nothingness of everything , and the folly of taking too much trouble to walk upon a road that went nowhere , or to compass a work that meant nothing . " [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} accept the dominion of [that pale girl , with the statuesque features and the calm brown eyes]_{6405-that pale girl , with the statuesque features and the calm brown eyes} , "_{[2541-the young philosopher of the modern school]} [he]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} thought . " [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} recognize the power of a mind superior to [my]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} own , and [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} yield to it , and bow down to it . [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} 've been acting for [myself]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} , and thinking for [myself]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} , for the last few months , and [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} 'm tired of the unnatural business . [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} 've been false to the leading principle of [my]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} life , and [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} 've suffered for the folly . [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} found two gray hairs in [my]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} head the week before last , and an impertinent crow has planted a delicate impression of [his]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} foot under [my]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} right eye . Yes , [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} 'm getting old upon the right side ; and why — why should it be so ? "_{[2541-the young philosopher of the modern school]} [He]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} pushed away [his]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} plate and lifted [his]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} eyebrows , staring at the crumbs upon the glistening damask , as [he]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} pondered the question . " What the devil am [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} doing in this galere ? "_{[2541-the young philosopher of the modern school]} [he]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} asked . " But [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} am in it , and [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} ca n't get out of it ; so [I]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} better submit [myself]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} to [the brown - eyed girl]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} , and do what [she]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} tells [me]_{2541-the young philosopher of the modern school} patiently and faithfully . What a wonderful solution to life 's enigma there is in petticoat government ! [Man]_990-man might lie in the sunshine , and eat lotuses , and fancy it ' always afternoon , ' if [[his]_990-man wife]_{554-his wife} would let [him]_990-man ! But [she]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} wo n't , bless [her]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} impulsive heart and active mind ! [She]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} knows better than that . Who ever heard of [a woman]_{503-a woman} taking life as it ought to be taken ? Instead of supporting it as an unavoidable nuisance , only redeemable by its brevity , [she]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} goes through it as if it were a pageant or a procession . [She]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} dresses for it , and simpers and grins , and gesticulates for it . [She]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} pushes [[her]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} neighbors]_{6410-her neighbors} , and struggles for a good place in the dismal march ; [she]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} elbows , and writhes , and tramples , and prances to the one end of making the most of the misery . [She]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} gets up early and sits up late , and is loud , and restless , and noisy , and unpitying . [She]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} drags [[her]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} husband]_{469-her husband} on to the woolsack , or pushes [him]_{469-her husband} into [Parliament]_{86-parliament} . [She]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} drives [him]_{469-her husband} full butt at [the dear , lazy machinery of government]_{6412-the dear , lazy machinery of government} , and knocks and buffets [him]_{469-her husband} about the wheels , and cranks , and screws , and pulleys ; until [somebody]_{6413-somebody} , for quiet 's sake , makes [him]_{469-her husband} something that [she]_{6406-the brown - eyed girl} wanted [him]_{469-her husband} to be made . That 's why [incompetent men]_{6414-incompetent men} sometimes sit in high places , and interpose [their]_{6414-incompetent men} poor , muddled intellects between the things to be done and [the people that can do them]_{6415-the people that can do them} , making universal confusion in the helpless innocence of well - placed incapacity . [The square men in the round holes]_{6416-the square men in the round holes} are pushed into [them]_{6416-the square men in the round holes} by [[their]_{6416-the square men in the round holes} wives]_{6417-their wives} . [The Eastern potentate who declared that [women were at the bottom of all mischief]_{6419-women were at the bottom of all mischief}]_{6418-the eastern potentate who declared that women were at the bottom of all mischief} , should have gone a little further and seen why it is so . It is because [women]_4642-women are never lazy . [They]_4642-women do n't know what it is to be quiet . [They]_4642-women are [Semiramides]_{6421-semiramides} , and [Cleopatras]_{265-cleopatras} , and [Joans of Arc]_{266-joans of arc} , [Queen Elizabeths]_{267-queen elizabeths} , and [Catharines]_{268-catharines} the Second , and [they]_4642-women riot in battle , and murder , and clamor and desperation . If [they]_4642-women ca n't agitate [the universe]_{6422-the universe} and play at ball with hemispheres , [they]_4642-women 'll make mountains of warfare and vexation out of [domestic molehills]_{6423-domestic molehills} , and social storms in household teacups . Forbid [them]_4642-women to hold forth upon the freedom of nations and the wrongs of [mankind]_6424-mankind , and [they]_4642-women 'll quarrel with [Mrs. Jones]_{269-mrs. jones} about the shape of a mantle or the character of [a small maid - servant]_{6425-a small maid - servant} . To call [them]_4642-women the weaker sex is to utter a hideous mockery . [They]_4642-women are [the stronger sex]_{6426-the stronger sex} , [the noisier , the more persevering , the most self - assertive sex]_{6427-the noisier , the more persevering , the most self - assertive sex} . [They]_4642-women want freedom of opinion , variety of occupation , do [they]_4642-women ? Let [them]_4642-women have it . Let [them]_4642-women be [lawyers]_6428-lawyers , [doctors]_6429-doctors , [preachers]_{6430-preachers} , [teachers]_{6431-teachers} , [soldiers]_{6432-soldiers} , [legislators]_{6433-legislators} — anything [they]_4642-women like — but let [them]_4642-women be quiet — if [they]_4642-women can . "_{[2541-the young philosopher of the modern school]} [Mr. Audley]_173-robert pushed [his]_173-robert hands through the thick luxuriance of [his]_173-robert straight brown hair , and uplifted the dark mass in [his]_173-robert despair . " [I]_173-robert hate [women]_4642-women , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought , savagely . " [They]_4642-women 're bold , brazen , abominable creatures , invented for the annoyance and destruction of [[their]_4642-women superiors]_{6435-their superiors} . Look at this business of poor [George]_{181-george talboys} 's ! It 's [all woman]_{6436-all woman} 's work from one end to the other . [He]_173-robert marries [a woman]_{503-a woman} , and [[his]_173-robert father]_{709-his father} casts [him]_173-robert off penniless and professionless . [He]_173-robert hears of [the woman]_{5008-the woman} 's death and [he]_173-robert breaks [his]_173-robert heart — [his]_173-robert good honest , manly heart , worth a million of the treacherous lumps of self - interest and mercenary calculation which beats in [women]_4642-women 's breasts . [He]_173-robert goes to [[a woman]_{503-a woman} 's house]_{6442-a woman 's house} and [he]_173-robert is never seen alive again . And now [I]_173-robert find [myself]_173-robert driven into a corner by [another woman]_{5641-another woman} , of whose existence [I]_173-robert had never thought until this day . And — and then , "_[173-robert] mused [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , rather irrelevantly , " there 's [Alicia]_190-alicia , too ; [she]_190-alicia 's [another nuisance]_{6444-another nuisance} . [She]_{503-a woman} 'd like [me]_173-robert to marry [her]_{503-a woman} [I]_173-robert know ; and [she]_{503-a woman} 'll make [me]_173-robert do it , [I]_173-robert dare say , before [she]_{503-a woman} 's done with [me]_173-robert . But [I]_173-robert 'd much rather not ; though [she]_{503-a woman} is [a dear , bouncing , generous thing]_{6445-a dear , bouncing , generous thing} , bless [her]_{503-a woman} poor little heart . "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert paid [his]_173-robert bill and rewarded [the waiter]_{4929-the waiter} liberally . [The young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} was very willing to distribute [his]_{5094-the young barrister} comfortable little income among [the people who served [him]_{5094-the young barrister}]_{2544-the people who served him} , for [he]_{5094-the young barrister} carried [his]_{5094-the young barrister} indifference to all things in [the universe]_{6422-the universe} , even to the matter of pounds , shillings and pence . Perhaps [he]_{5094-the young barrister} was rather exceptional in this , as [you]_2546-you may frequently find that [the philosopher who calls life an empty delusion]_{2547-the philosopher who calls life an empty delusion} is pretty sharp in the investment of [his]_{2547-the philosopher who calls life an empty delusion} moneys , and recognizes the tangible nature of India bonds , Spanish certificates , and Egyptian scrip — as contrasted with the painful uncertainty of an Ego or a non - Ego in metaphysics . [The snug rooms in [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court}]_{2548-the snug rooms in figtree court} seemed dreary in [their]_{2548-the snug rooms in figtree court} orderly quiet to [Robert Audley]_173-robert upon this particular evening . [He]_173-robert had no inclination for [his]_173-robert French novels , though there was a packet of uncut romances , comic and sentimental , ordered a month before , waiting [his]_173-robert pleasure upon one of the tables . [He]_173-robert took [his]_173-robert favorite meerschaum and dropped into [his]_173-robert favorite chair with a sigh . " It 's comfortable , but it seems so deuced lonely to - night . If poor [George]_{181-george talboys} were sitting opposite to [me]_173-robert , or — or even [[George]_{181-george talboys} 's sister]_{6446-george 's sister} — [she]_{6446-george 's sister} 's very like [him]_173-robert — existence might be a little more endurable . But when [a fellow]_{5492-a fellow} 's lived by [himself]_{5492-a fellow} for eight or ten years [he]_{5492-a fellow} begins to be bad company . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert burst out laughing presently as [he]_173-robert finished [his]_173-robert first pipe . " The idea of [my]_173-robert thinking of [[George]_{181-george talboys} 's sister]_{6446-george 's sister} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought ; " what [a preposterous idiot]_{6449-a preposterous idiot} [I]_173-robert am ! "_[173-robert] The next day 's post brought [him]_173-robert a letter in a firm but feminine hand , which was strange to [him]_173-robert . [He]_173-robert found the little packet lying on [his]_173-robert breakfast - table , beside the warm French roll wrapped in a napkin by [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} 's careful but rather dirty hands . [He]_173-robert contemplated the envelope for some minutes before opening it — not in any wonder as to [[his]_173-robert correspondent]_{2549-his correspondent} , for the letter bore the postmark of [Grange Heath]_{83-grange heath} , and [he]_173-robert knew that there was only [one person who was likely to write to [him]_173-robert from [that obscure village]_{2551-that obscure village} , but in that lazy dreaminess which was a part of [his]_173-robert character]_{2550-one person who was likely to write to him from that obscure village , but in that lazy dreaminess which was a part of his character} . " From [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert murmured slowly , as [he]_173-robert looked critically at the clearly - shaped letters of [his]_173-robert name and address . " Yes , from [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , most decidedly ; [I]_173-robert recognized a feminine resemblance to poor [George]_{181-george talboys} 's hand ; neater than [his]_173-robert , and more decided than [his]_173-robert , but very like , very like . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert turned the letter over and examined the seal , which bore [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} 's familiar crest . " [I]_173-robert wonder what [she]_{256-clara talboys} says to [me]_173-robert ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought . " It 's a long letter , [I]_173-robert dare say ; [she]_{256-clara talboys} 's [the kind of woman who would write a long letter]_{6450-the kind of woman who would write a long letter} — a letter that will urge [me]_173-robert on , drive [me]_173-robert forward , wrench [me]_173-robert out of [myself]_173-robert , [I]_173-robert 've no doubt . But that ca n't be helped — so here goes ! "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert tore open the envelope with a sigh of resignation . It contained nothing but [George]_{181-george talboys} 's two letters , and a few words written on the flap : " [I]_173-robert send the letters ; please preserve and return them — C.T. "_[173-robert] The letter , written from [Liverpool]_6-liverpool , told nothing of [the writer]_{2032-the writer} 's life except [his]_{2032-the writer} sudden determination of starting for [a new world]_{2554-a new world} , to redeem the fortunes that had been ruined in the old . The letter written almost immediately after [George]_{181-george talboys} 's marriage , contained a full description of [[his]_{2032-the writer} wife]_{554-his wife} — such a description as [a man]_{445-a man} could only write within three weeks of a love match — a description in which every feature was minutely catalogued , every grace of form or beauty of expression fondly dwelt upon , every charm of manner lovingly depicted . [Robert Audley]_173-robert read the letter three times before [he]_173-robert laid it down . " If [George]_{181-george talboys} could have known for what a purpose this description would serve when [he]_{2032-the writer} wrote it , "_{[5094-the young barrister]} thought [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} , " surely [his]_{2032-the writer} hand would have fallen paralyzed by horror , and powerless to shape one syllable of these tender words . "_{[5094-the young barrister]} The dreary [London]_3-london January dragged its dull length slowly out . The last slender records of Christmas time were swept away , and [Robert Audley]_173-robert still lingered in [town]_864-town — still spent [his]_173-robert lonely evenings in [[his]_173-robert quiet sitting - room in [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court}]_{2559-his quiet sitting - room in figtree court} — still wandered listlessly in [the Temple Gardens]_{5695-the temple gardens} on sunny mornings , absently listening to [the children]_{2241-the children} 's babble , idly watching [their]_{2241-the children} play . [He]_173-robert had [many friends among [the inhabitants of [the quaint old buildings]_{2564-the quaint old buildings} round [him]_173-robert]_{2563-the inhabitants of the quaint old buildings round him}]_{2562-many friends among the inhabitants of the quaint old buildings round him} ; [he]_173-robert had [other friends far away in [pleasant country places]_{2566-pleasant country places} , whose [spare bedrooms]_{2567-spare bedrooms} were always at [[Bob]_174-bob 's service , whose cheerful firesides had snugly luxurious chairs specially allotted to [him]_173-robert]_{2568-bob 's service , whose cheerful firesides had snugly luxurious chairs specially allotted to him}]_{2565-other friends far away in pleasant country places , whose spare bedrooms were always at bob 's service , whose cheerful firesides had snugly luxurious chairs specially allotted to him} . But [he]_173-robert seemed to have lost all taste for companionship , all sympathy with the pleasures and occupations of [[his]_173-robert class]_{2569-his class} , since the disappearance of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . [Elderly benchers]_{2570-elderly benchers} indulged in facetious observations upon [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's pale face and moody manner . [They]_{2570-elderly benchers} suggested the probability of some unhappy attachment , some feminine ill - usage as the secret cause of the change . [They]_{2570-elderly benchers} told [him]_173-robert to be of good cheer , and invited [him]_173-robert to supper - parties , at which " [lovely woman , with all [her]_{6451-lovely woman , with all her faults} faults]_{6451-lovely woman , with all her faults} , God bless [her]_{6451-lovely woman , with all her faults} , "_{[2570-elderly benchers]} was drunk by gentlemen who shed tears as [they]_{2570-elderly benchers} proposed the toast , and were maudlin and unhappy in [their]_{2570-elderly benchers} cups toward the close of the entertainment . [Robert]_173-robert had no inclination for the wine - bibbing and the punch - making . The one idea of [his]_173-robert life had become [[his]_173-robert master]_{2445-his master} . [He]_173-robert was [the bonden slave of one gloomy thought]_{2573-the bonden slave of one gloomy thought} — one horrible presentiment . A dark cloud was brooding above [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's house]_{1245-his uncle 's house} , and it was [his]_173-robert hand which was to give the signal for the thunder - clap , and the tempest that was to ruin that noble life . " If [she]_{5100-the young lady} would only take warning and run away , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said to [himself]_173-robert sometimes . " Heaven knows , [I]_173-robert have given [her]_{5100-the young lady} a fair chance . Why does n't [she]_{5100-the young lady} take it and run away ? "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert heard sometimes from [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , sometimes from [Alicia]_190-alicia . [The young lady]_{5100-the young lady} 's letter rarely contained more than a few curt lines informing [him]_173-robert that [her]_{5100-the young lady} papa was well ; and that [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} was in very high spirits , amusing [herself]_{150-lady audley} in [her]_{150-lady audley} usual frivolous manner , and with [her]_{150-lady audley} usual disregard for [other people]_{1822-other people} . A letter from [Mr. Marchmont]_{247-mr. marchmont} , [the Southampton schoolmaster]_{2578-the southampton schoolmaster} , informed [Robert]_173-robert that [little Georgey]_187-georgey was going on very well , but that [he]_187-georgey was behindhand in [his]_187-georgey education , and had not yet passed the intellectual Rubicon of words of two syllables . [Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} had called to see [[his]_{183-captain maldon} grandson]_{2579-his grandson} , but that privilege had been withheld from [him]_{183-captain maldon} , in accordance with [Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's instructions . [The old man]_{694-the old man} had furthermore sent a parcel of pastry and sweetmeats to [the little boy]_{5034-the little boy} , which had also been rejected on the ground of indigestible and bilious tendencies in the edibles . Toward the close of February , [Robert]_173-robert received a letter from [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} [Alicia]_190-alicia , which hurried [him]_173-robert one step further forward toward [his]_173-robert destiny , by causing [him]_173-robert to return to [the house from which [he]_173-robert had become]_{2583-the house from which he had become} in a manner exiled at the instigation of [[his]_173-robert uncle 's wife]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} . " [Papa]_188-papa is very ill , "_[190-alicia] [Alicia]_190-alicia wrote ; " not dangerously ill , thank [God]_164-god ; but confined to [[his]_188-papa room]_{6452-his room} by an attack of low fever which has succeeded a violent cold . Come and see [him]_188-papa , [Robert]_173-robert , if [you]_173-robert have any regard for [[your]_173-robert nearest relations]_{6453-your nearest relations} . [He]_188-papa has spoken about [you]_173-robert several times ; and [I]_190-alicia know [he]_188-papa will be glad to have [you]_173-robert with [him]_188-papa . Come at once , but say nothing about this letter . "_[190-alicia] From [[your]_173-robert affectionate cousin]_{5077-your affectionate cousin} , [ALICIA]_190-alicia . " A sick and deadly terror chilled [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's heart , as [he]_173-robert read this letter — a vague yet hideous fear , which [he]_173-robert dared not shape into any definite form . "_[190-alicia] Have [I]_0-i done right ? " [he]_173-robert thought , in the first agony of this new horror—"have_[0-i] [I]_0-i done right to tamper with justice ; and to keep the secret of [my]_0-i doubts in the hope that [I]_0-i was shielding those [I]_0-i love from sorrow and disgrace ? What shall [I]_0-i do if [I]_0-i find [him]_2586-him ill , very ill , dying perhaps , dying upon [her]_{5077-your affectionate cousin} breast ! What shall [I]_0-i do ? " One course lay clear before [him]_173-robert ; and the first step of that course was a rapid journey to [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} . [He]_173-robert packed [his]_173-robert portmanteau , jumped into [a cab]_{6454-a cab} , and reached [the railway station]_{541-the railway station} within an hour of [his]_173-robert receipt of [Alicia]_190-alicia 's letter , which had come by the afternoon post . The dim village lights flickered faintly through the growing dusk when [Robert]_173-robert reached [Audley]_{150-lady audley} . [He]_173-robert left [his]_173-robert portmanteau with [the station - master]_{6456-the station - master} , and walked at a leisurely pace through [the quiet lanes that led away to the still loneliness of [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{6457-the quiet lanes that led away to the still loneliness of the court} . The over - arching trees stretched their leafless branches above [his]_173-robert head , bare and weird in the dusky light . A low moaning wind swept across [the flat meadow land]_{6459-the flat meadow land} , and tossed those rugged branches hither and thither against the dark gray sky . They looked like the ghostly arms of shrunken and withered giants , beckoning [Robert]_173-robert to [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's house]_{1245-his uncle 's house} . [They]_6462-they looked like threatening phantoms in the chill winter twilight , gesticulating to [him]_173-robert to hasten upon [his]_173-robert journey . [The long avenue]_{740-the long avenue} so bright and pleasant when the perfumed limes scattered their light bloom upon [the pathway]_{6464-the pathway} , and the dog - rose leaves floated on the summer air , was terribly bleak and desolate in the cheerless interregnum that divides the homely joys of Christmas from the pale blush of coming spring — a dead pause in the year , in which Nature seems to lie in a tranced sleep , awaiting the wondrous signal for the budding of the flower . A mournful presentiment crept into [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's heart as [he]_173-robert drew nearer to [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's house]_{1245-his uncle 's house} . Every changing outline in [the landscape]_{6467-the landscape} was familiar to [him]_173-robert ; every bend of the trees ; every caprice of the untrammeled branches ; every undulation in the bare hawthorn hedge , broken by dwarf horse - chestnuts , stunted willows , blackberry and hazel bushes . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} had been [a second father to [the young man]_{667-the young man}]_{6468-a second father to the young man} , [a generous and noble friend]_{6470-a generous and noble friend} , [a grave and earnest adviser]_{6471-a grave and earnest adviser} ; and perhaps the strongest sentiment of [Robert]_173-robert 's heart was [his]_173-robert love for [the gray - bearded baronet]_{6472-the gray - bearded baronet} . But the grateful affection was so much a part of [himself]_173-robert , that it seldom found an outlet in words , and [a stranger]_{1506-a stranger} would never have fathomed the depth of feeling which lay , a deep and powerful current , beneath the stagnant surface of [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} 's character . "_[0-i] What would become of [this place]_{5298-this place} if [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} were to die ? " [he]_0-i thought , and [he]_0-i drew nearer to [the ivied archway]_{6475-the ivied archway} , and [the still water - pools]_{6476-the still water - pools} , coldly gray in the twilight . "_[0-i] Would [other people]_{1822-other people} live in [the old house]_{2590-the old house} , and sit under the low oak ceilings in [the homely familiar rooms]_{2591-the homely familiar rooms} ? " That wonderful faculty of association , so interwoven with the inmost fibers of even the hardest nature , filled [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's breast with a prophetic pain as [he]_0-i remembered that , however long or late , the day must come on which the oaken shutters would be closed for awhile , and the sunshine shut out of [the house]_{388-the house} [he]_0-i loved . It was painful to [him]_0-i even to remember this ; as it must always be painful to think of the narrow lease the greatest upon [this earth]_{1644-this earth} can ever hold of [its]_{1644-this earth} grandeurs . Is it so wonderful that [some wayfarers]_{6480-some wayfarers} drop asleep under the hedges , scarcely caring to toil onward on a journey that leads to [no abiding habitation]_{6481-no abiding habitation} ? Is it wonderful that there have been quietists in [the world]_{519-the world} ever since [Christ]_271-christ 's religion was first preached upon [earth]_1036-earth . Is it strange that there is a patient endurance and tranquil resignation , calm expectation of that which is to come on [the further shore of [the dark flowing river]_{6485-the dark flowing river}]_{6484-the further shore of the dark flowing river} ? Is it not rather to be wondered that [anybody]_706-anybody should ever care to be great for greatness ' sake ; for any other reason than pure conscientiousness ; the simple fidelity of [the servant who fears to lay [his]_{6487-the servant who fears to lay his talents by in a napkin , knowing that indifference is near akin to dishonesty} talents by in a napkin , knowing that indifference is near akin to dishonesty]_{6487-the servant who fears to lay his talents by in a napkin , knowing that indifference is near akin to dishonesty} ? If [Robert Audley]_173-robert had lived in the time of [Thomas à Kempis]_{272-thomas à kempis} , [he]_173-robert would very likely have built [himself]_173-robert [a narrow hermitage amid [some forest loneliness]_{6489-some forest loneliness}]_{6488-a narrow hermitage amid some forest loneliness} , and spent [his]_173-robert life in tranquil imitation of [the reputed author of The Imitation]_{6490-the reputed author of the imitation} . As [it]_6491-it was , [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} was [a pleasant hermitage]_{6492-a pleasant hermitage} in [its]_{14-figtree court} way , and for breviaries and Books of Hours , [I]_0-i am ashamed to say [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} substituted [Paul de Kock and Dumas]_{273-paul de kock and dumas} , fils . But [his]_173-robert sins were of so simply negative an order , that it would have been very easy for [him]_173-robert to have abandoned them for negative virtues . Only one solitary light was visible in the long irregular range of windows facing [the archway]_{6494-the archway} , as [Robert]_173-robert passed under the gloomy shade of the rustling ivy , restless in the chill moaning of the wind . [He]_173-robert recognized that lighted window as the large oriel in [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's room]_{6496-his uncle 's room} . When last [he]_173-robert had looked at [the old house]_{2590-the old house} [it]_{2590-the old house} had been gay with [visitors]_400-visitors , every window glittering like a low star in the dusk ; now , dark and silent , [it]_{2590-the old house} faced the winter 's night like [some dismal baronial habitation , deep in a woodland solitude]_{6499-some dismal baronial habitation , deep in a woodland solitude} . [The man who opened the door to [the unlooked - for visitor]_{6501-the unlooked - for visitor}]_{6500-the man who opened the door to the unlooked - for visitor} , brightened as [he]_{6500-the man who opened the door to the unlooked - for visitor} recognized [[his]_{6500-the man who opened the door to the unlooked - for visitor} master 's nephew]_{6502-his master 's nephew} . "_[0-i] [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} will be cheered up a bit , [sir]_900-sir , by the sight of [you]_900-sir , " [he]_{6500-the man who opened the door to the unlooked - for visitor} said , as [he]_{6500-the man who opened the door to the unlooked - for visitor} ushered [Robert Audley]_173-robert into [the fire - lit library , which seemed desolate by reason of [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's easy - chair standing empty on the broad hearth - rug]_{6503-the fire - lit library , which seemed desolate by reason of the baronet 's easy - chair standing empty on the broad hearth - rug} . "_[900-sir] Shall [I]_0-i bring [you]_900-sir some dinner here , [sir]_900-sir , before [you]_900-sir go up - [stairs]_5306-stairs ? " [the servant]_{1203-the servant} asked . "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} and [Miss Audley]_149-alicia have dined early during [[my]_0-i master]_{2596-my master} 's illness , but [I]_0-i can bring [you]_900-sir anything [you]_900-sir would please to take , [sir]_900-sir . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll take nothing until [I]_0-i have seen [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} , " [Robert]_173-robert answered , hurriedly ; "_[0-i] that is to say , if [I]_0-i can see [him]_{991-my uncle} at once . [He]_{991-my uncle} is not too ill to receive [me]_0-i , [I]_0-i suppose ? " [he]_173-robert added , anxiously . "_[0-i] Oh , no , [sir]_900-sir — not too ill ; only a little low , [sir]_900-sir . This way , if [you]_900-sir please . " [He]_0-i conducted [Robert]_173-robert up the short flight of shallow oaken stairs to [the octagon chamber in which [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} had sat long five months before , staring absently at [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} 's portrait]_{6506-the octagon chamber in which george talboys had sat long five months before , staring absently at my lady 's portrait} . The picture was finished now , and hung in the post of honor opposite the window , amidst [Claudes]_274-claudes , [Poussins]_275-poussins and [Wouvermans , whose less brilliant hues were killed by the vivid coloring of the modern artist]_{6508-wouvermans , whose less brilliant hues were killed by the vivid coloring of the modern artist} . [The bright face]_{6509-the bright face} looked out of that tangled glitter of golden hair , in which [the Pre - Raphaelites]_{6510-the pre - raphaelites} delight , with a mocking smile , as [Robert]_173-robert paused for a moment to glance at the well - remembered picture . Two or three moments afterward [he]_173-robert had passed through [[[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} 's boudoir and [dressing - room]_{6513-dressing - room}]_{6512-my lady 's boudoir and dressing - room} and stood upon the threshold of [[Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's room]_{6514-sir michael 's room} . [The baronet]_{465-the baronet} lay in a quiet sleep , [his]_{465-the baronet} arm laying outside the bed , and [his]_{465-the baronet} strong hand clasped in [[his]_{465-the baronet} young wife]_{5117-his young wife} 's delicate fingers . [Alicia]_149-alicia sat in a low chair beside the broad open hearth , on which the huge logs burned fiercely in the frosty atmosphere . The interior of [this luxurious bedchamber]_{6517-this luxurious bedchamber} might have made a striking picture for [an artist]_{6518-an artist} 's pencil . The massive furniture , dark and somber , yet broken up and relieved here and there by scraps of gilding , and masses of glowing color ; the elegance of every detail , in which wealth was subservient to purity of taste ; and last , but greatest in importance , the graceful figures of [the two women]_{1218-the two women} , and the noble form of [the old man]_{694-the old man} would have formed a worthy study for [any painter]_{6521-any painter} . [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy , with [her]_197-lucy disordered hair in a pale haze of yellow gold about [her]_197-lucy thoughtful face , the flowing lines of [her]_197-lucy soft muslin dressing - gown falling in straight folds to [her]_197-lucy feet , and clasped at the waist by a narrow circlet of agate links might have served as a model for [a mediaeval saint]_{6522-a mediaeval saint} , in [one of the tiny chapels hidden away in [the nooks and corners of [a gray old cathedral]_{6525-a gray old cathedral} , unchanged by Reformation or [Cromwell]_276-cromwell]_{6524-the nooks and corners of a gray old cathedral , unchanged by reformation or cromwell}]_{6523-one of the tiny chapels hidden away in the nooks and corners of a gray old cathedral , unchanged by reformation or cromwell} ; and what [saintly martyr of the Middle Ages]_{6526-saintly martyr of the middle ages} could have borne a holier aspect than [the man whose gray beard lay upon the dark silken coverlet of the stately bed]_{6527-the man whose gray beard lay upon the dark silken coverlet of the stately bed} ? [Robert]_173-robert paused upon the threshold , fearful of awaking [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} . [The two ladies]_{6529-the two ladies} had heard [his]_173-robert step , cautious though [he]_173-robert had been , and lifted [their]_{6529-the two ladies} heads to look at [him]_173-robert . [[My]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} 's face , quietly watching [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} , had worn an anxious earnestness which made it only more beautiful ; but the same face recognizing [Robert Audley]_173-robert , faded from its delicate brightness , and looked scared and wan in the lamplight . "_[173-robert] [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ! " [she]_{468-my lady} cried , in a faint , tremulous voice . "_[173-robert] Hush ! " whispered [Alicia]_149-alicia , with a warning gesture ; "_[173-robert] [you]_173-robert will wake [papa]_1002-papa . How good of [you]_173-robert to come , [Robert]_173-robert , " [she]_{468-my lady} added , in the same whispered tones , beckoning to [[her]_{468-my lady} cousin]_{790-her cousin} to take an empty chair near the bed . [The young man]_{667-the young man} seated [himself]_{667-the young man} in the indicated seat at the bottom of the bed , and opposite to [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} , who sat close beside the pillows . [He]_173-robert looked long and earnestly at the face of [the sleeper]_{6535-the sleeper} ; still longer , still more earnestly at the face of [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , which was slowly recovering its natural hues . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert has not been very ill , has [he]_173-robert ? " [Robert]_173-robert asked , in the same key as that in which [Alicia]_149-alicia had spoken . [[My]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} answered the question . "_[173-robert] Oh , no , not dangerously ill , " [she]_{468-my lady} said , without taking [her]_{468-my lady} eyes from [[her]_{468-my lady} husband]_{469-her husband} 's face ; "_[173-robert] but still [we]_2602-we have been anxious , very , very anxious . " [Robert]_173-robert never relaxed [his]_173-robert scrutiny of that pale face . "_[2603-her] [She]_2603-her shall look at [me]_0-i , " [he]_0-i thought ; "_[2603-her] [I]_0-i will make [her]_2603-her meet [my]_0-i eyes , and [I]_0-i will read [her]_2603-her as [I]_0-i have read [her]_2603-her before . [She]_2603-her shall know how useless [her]_2603-her artifices are with [me]_0-i . " [He]_0-i paused for a few minutes before [he]_0-i spoke again . The regular breathing of [the sleeper]_{6535-the sleeper} the ticking of a gold hunting - watch at the head of the bed , and the crackling of the burning logs , were the only sounds that broke the stillness . "_[2603-her] [I]_0-i have no doubt [you]_2603-her have been anxious , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , " [Robert]_173-robert said , after a pause , fixing [[my]_2603-her lady]_{468-my lady} 's eyes as they wandered furtively to [his]_0-i face . "_[2603-her] There is no one to whom [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's life can be of more value than to [you]_2603-her . [Your]_2603-her happiness , [your]_2603-her prosperity , [your]_2603-her safety depend alike upon [his]_{991-my uncle} existence . " The whisper in which [he]_0-i uttered these words was too low to reach the other side of [the room]_{595-the room} , where [Alicia]_149-alicia sat . [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy 's eyes met those of [the speaker]_{4906-the speaker} with some gleam of triumph in [their]_{4906-the speaker} light . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i know that , " [she]_197-lucy said . "_[0-i] Those who strike [me]_0-i must strike through [him]_{991-my uncle} . " [She]_197-lucy pointed to [the sleeper]_{6535-the sleeper} as [she]_197-lucy spoke , still looking at [Robert Audley]_173-robert . [She]_197-lucy defied [him]_0-i with [her]_197-lucy blue eyes , their brightness intensified by the triumph in [their]_{4906-the speaker} glance . [She]_197-lucy defied [him]_0-i with [her]_197-lucy quiet smile — a smile of fatal beauty , full of lurking significance and mysterious meaning — the smile which [the artist]_{5336-the artist} had exaggerated in [his]_{5336-the artist} portrait of [[Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's wife]_{6544-sir michael 's wife} . [Robert]_173-robert turned away from the lovely face , and shaded [his]_0-i eyes with [his]_0-i hand ; putting a barrier between [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} and [himself]_0-i ; a screen which baffled [her]_197-lucy penetration and provoked [her]_197-lucy curiosity . Was [he]_0-i still watching [her]_197-lucy or was [he]_0-i thinking ? and of what was [he]_0-i thinking ? [Robert]_173-robert had been seated at the bedside for upward of an hour before [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} awoke . [The baronet]_{465-the baronet} was delighted at [[his]_{465-the baronet} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} 's coming . "_[0-i] It was very good of [you]_2605-you to come to [me]_0-i , [Bob]_174-bob , " [he]_0-i said . "_[174-bob] [I]_0-i have been thinking of [you]_2605-you a good deal since [I]_0-i have been ill . [You]_2605-you and [Lucy]_197-lucy must be [good friends]_{5510-good friends} , [you]_2605-you know , [Bob]_174-bob ; and [you]_2605-you must learn to think of [her]_197-lucy as [[your]_2605-you aunt]_{1087-your aunt} , [sir]_900-sir ; though [she]_197-lucy is young and beautiful ; and — and — [you]_2605-you understand , eh ? " [Robert]_173-robert grasped [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's hand , but [he]_173-robert looked down as [he]_173-robert answered : "_[2605-you] [I]_0-i do understand [you]_2605-you , [sir]_900-sir , " [he]_0-i said , quietly ; "_[2605-you] and [I]_0-i give [you]_2605-you [my]_0-i word of honor that [I]_0-i am steeled against [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's fascinations . [She]_{468-my lady} knows that as well as [I]_0-i do . " [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy made a little grimace with [her]_197-lucy pretty little lips . "_{[468-my lady]} Bah , [you]_0-i silly [Robert]_173-robert , " [she]_197-lucy exclaimed ; "_[0-i] [you]_0-i take everything au serieux . If [I]_0-i thought [you]_0-i were rather too young for [a nephew]_{2611-a nephew} , it was only in [my]_0-i fear of [other people]_{1822-other people} 's foolish gossip ; not from any — " [She]_197-lucy hesitated for a moment , and escaped any conclusion to [her]_197-lucy sentence by the timely intervention of [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} , [[her]_197-lucy late employer]_{6550-her late employer} , who entered [the room]_{595-the room} upon [his]_{151-mr. dawson} evening visit while [she]_197-lucy was speaking . [He]_{151-mr. dawson} felt [the patient]_{6552-the patient} 's pulse ; asked two or three questions ; pronounced [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} to be steadily improving ; exchanged a few commonplace remarks with [Alicia]_149-alicia and [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , and prepared to leave [the room]_{595-the room} . [Robert]_173-robert rose and accompanied [him]_2613-you to the door . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will light [you]_2613-you to the staircase , " [he]_0-i said , taking a candle from one of the tables , and lighting it at the lamp . "_[0-i] No , no , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , pray do not trouble [yourself]_2613-you , " expostulated [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} ; "_[2613-you] [I]_0-i know [my]_0-i way very well indeed . " [Robert]_173-robert insisted , and [the two men]_{6556-the two men} left [the room]_{595-the room} together . As [they]_{6556-the two men} entered [the octagon ante - chamber]_{6558-the octagon ante - chamber} [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} paused and shut the door behind [him]_{955-the barrister} . "_[2613-you] Will [you]_2613-you see that the door is closed , [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} ? " [he]_0-i said , pointing to that which opened upon [the staircase]_{6007-the staircase} . "_[2613-you] [I]_0-i wish to have a few moments ' private conversation with [you]_2613-you . " "_[0-i] With much pleasure , " replied [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} , complying with [Robert]_173-robert 's request ; "_[0-i] but if [you]_2613-you are at all alarmed about [[your]_2613-you uncle]_{1016-your uncle} , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , [I]_0-i can set [your]_2613-you mind at rest . There is no occasion for the least uneasiness . Had [his]_{1016-your uncle} illness been at all serious [I]_0-i should have telegraphed immediately for [the family physician]_{2615-the family physician} . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i am sure that [you]_2613-you would have done [your]_2613-you duty , [sir]_900-sir , " answered [Robert]_173-robert , gravely . "_[2613-you] But [I]_0-i am not going to speak of [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} . [I]_0-i wish to ask [you]_2613-you two or three questions about [another person]_{2618-another person} . " "_[0-i] Indeed . " "_[0-i] [The person who once lived in [[your]_2613-you family]_{2620-your family}]_{2619-the person who once lived in your family} as [Miss Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} ; the person who is now [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . " [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} looked up with an expression of surprise upon [his]_{151-mr. dawson} quiet face . "_{[150-lady audley]} Pardon [me]_0-i , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [he]_{151-mr. dawson} answered ; "_[0-i] [you]_173-robert can scarcely expect [me]_0-i to answer any questions about [[[your]_2613-you uncle]_{1016-your uncle} 's wife]_{2622-your uncle 's wife} without [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's express permission . [I]_0-i can understand no motive which can prompt [you]_173-robert to ask such questions — no worthy motive , at least . " [He]_{151-mr. dawson} looked severely at [the young man]_{667-the young man} , as much as to say : "_[173-robert] [You]_173-robert have been falling in love with [[[your]_2613-you uncle]_{1016-your uncle} 's pretty wife]_{2624-your uncle 's pretty wife} , [sir]_900-sir , and [you]_173-robert want to make [me]_0-i [a go - between]_{2626-a go - between} in some treacherous flirtation ; but it wo n't do , [sir]_900-sir , it wo n't do . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i always respected [the lady]_{673-the lady} as [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} , [sir]_900-sir , " [he]_0-i said , "_{[152-miss graham]} and [I]_0-i esteem [her]_{673-the lady} doubly as [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} — not on account of [her]_{673-the lady} altered position , but because [she]_{673-the lady} is [the wife of one of [the noblest men in [Christendom]_{87-christendom}]_{2631-the noblest men in christendom}]_{2630-the wife of one of the noblest men in christendom} . " "_[900-sir] [You]_900-sir can not respect [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} or [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's honor more sincerely than [I]_0-i do , " answered [Robert]_173-robert . "_[900-sir] [I]_0-i have no unworthy motive for the questions [I]_0-i am about to ask ; and [you]_900-sir must answer them . " "_[900-sir] Must ! " echoed [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} , indignantly . "_[900-sir] Yes , [you]_900-sir are [[my]_0-i uncle 's friend]_{2634-my uncle 's friend} . It was at [[your]_900-sir house]_{6183-your house} [he]_{991-my uncle} met [the woman who is now [[his]_{991-my uncle} wife]_{554-his wife}]_{2636-the woman who is now his wife} . [She]_{2636-the woman who is now his wife} called [herself]_{2636-the woman who is now his wife} [an orphan]_{5850-an orphan} , [I]_0-i believe , and enlisted [his]_{991-my uncle} pity as well as [his]_{991-my uncle} admiration in [her]_{2636-the woman who is now his wife} behalf . [She]_{2636-the woman who is now his wife} told [him]_{991-my uncle} that [she]_{2636-the woman who is now his wife} stood alone in [the world]_{519-the world} , did [she]_{2636-the woman who is now his wife} not?—without [a friend]_{5908-a friend} or relative . This was all [I]_0-i could ever learn of [her]_{2636-the woman who is now his wife} antecedents . " "_{[2636-the woman who is now his wife]} What reason have [you]_0-i to wish to know more ? " asked [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} . "_[0-i] A very terrible reason , " answered [Robert Audley]_173-robert . "_[0-i] For some months past [I]_0-i have struggled with doubts and suspicions which have embittered [my]_0-i life . [They]_2641-they have grown stronger every day ; and [they]_2641-they will not be set at rest by the commonplace sophistries and the shallow arguments with which [men]_4634-men try to deceive [themselves]_4634-men rather than believe that which of all things upon [earth]_1036-earth [they]_4634-men most fear to believe . [I]_0-i do not think that [the woman who bears [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's name]_{2644-the woman who bears my uncle 's name} , is worthy to be [[his]_{991-my uncle} wife]_{554-his wife} . [I]_0-i may wrong [her]_{2644-the woman who bears my uncle 's name} . [Heaven]_201-heaven grant that it is so . But if [I]_0-i do , the fatal chain of circumstantial evidence never yet linked itself so closely about [an innocent person]_{2647-an innocent person} . [I]_0-i wish to set [my]_0-i doubts at rest or — or to confirm [my]_0-i fears . There is but one manner in which [I]_0-i can do this . [I]_0-i must trace the life of [[my]_0-i uncle 's wife]_{2648-my uncle 's wife} backward , minutely and carefully , from this night to a period of six years ago . This is the twenty - fourth of February , fifty - nine . [I]_0-i want to know every record of [her]_{2648-my uncle 's wife} life between to - night and the February of the year fifty - three . " "_[0-i] And [your]_0-i motive is a worthy one ? " "_[0-i] Yes , [I]_0-i wish to clear [her]_{2648-my uncle 's wife} from a very dreadful suspicion . " "_[0-i] Which exists only in [your]_0-i mind ? " "_[0-i] And in the mind of [one other person]_{2649-one other person} . " "_{[2649-one other person]} May [I]_0-i ask who [that person]_{6137-that person} is ? " "_[0-i] No , [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} , " answered [Robert]_173-robert , decisively ; "_{[151-mr. dawson]} [I]_0-i can not reveal anything more than what [I]_0-i have already told [you]_{151-mr. dawson} . [I]_0-i am [a very irresolute , vacillating man]_{2651-a very irresolute , vacillating man} in most things . In this matter [I]_0-i am compelled to be decided . [I]_0-i repeat once more that [I]_0-i must know the history of [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} 's life . If [you]_{151-mr. dawson} refuse to help [me]_0-i to the small extent in [your]_{151-mr. dawson} power , [I]_0-i will find [others who will help [me]_0-i]_{2652-others who will help me} . Painful as it would become , [I]_0-i will ask [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} for the information which [you]_{151-mr. dawson} would withhold , rather than be baffled in the first step of [my]_0-i investigation . " [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} was silent for some minutes . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i can not express how much [you]_{151-mr. dawson} have astonished and alarmed [me]_0-i , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . " [he]_0-i said . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i can tell [you]_{151-mr. dawson} so little about [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's antecedents , that it would be mere obstinacy to withhold the small amount of information [I]_0-i possess . [I]_0-i have always considered [[[your]_{151-mr. dawson} uncle]_{1016-your uncle} 's wife one of [the most amiable of [women]_4642-women]_{2656-the most amiable of women}]_{2655-your uncle 's wife one of the most amiable of women} . [I]_0-i can not bring [myself]_0-i to think [her]_{2655-your uncle 's wife one of the most amiable of women} otherwise . It would be an uprooting of one of the strongest convictions of [my]_0-i life were [I]_0-i compelled to think [her]_{2655-your uncle 's wife one of the most amiable of women} otherwise . [You]_{151-mr. dawson} wish to follow [her]_{2655-your uncle 's wife one of the most amiable of women} life backward from the present hour to the year fifty - three ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do . " "_[0-i] [She]_{2655-your uncle 's wife one of the most amiable of women} was married to [[your]_{151-mr. dawson} uncle]_{1016-your uncle} last June twelvemonth , in the midsummer of fifty - seven . [She]_{2655-your uncle 's wife one of the most amiable of women} had lived in [[my]_0-i house]_{6124-my house} a little more than thirteen months . [She]_{2655-your uncle 's wife one of the most amiable of women} became [a member of [[my]_0-i household]_{2661-my household}]_{2660-a member of my household} upon the fourteenth of May , in the year fifty - six . " "_{[2655-your uncle 's wife one of the most amiable of women]} And [she]_{2655-your uncle 's wife one of the most amiable of women} came to [you]_{151-mr. dawson} — " "_{[2655-your uncle 's wife one of the most amiable of women]} From [a school at [Brompton]_4-brompton]_{510-a school at brompton} , [a school kept by [a lady of the name of [Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent}]_{2664-a lady of the name of vincent}]_{2663-a school kept by a lady of the name of vincent} . It was [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} 's strong recommendation that induced [me]_0-i to receive [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} into [[my]_0-i family]_{2665-my family} without any more special knowledge of [her]_{2655-your uncle 's wife one of the most amiable of women} antecedents . " "_{[152-miss graham]} Did [you]_{151-mr. dawson} see [this Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} ? " "_{[151-mr. dawson]} [I]_0-i did not . [I]_0-i advertised for [a governess]_{2666-a governess} , and [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} answered [my]_0-i advertisement . In [her]_{152-miss graham} letter [she]_{152-miss graham} referred [me]_0-i to [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} , [the proprietress of [a school in which [she]_{152-miss graham} was then residing as [junior teacher]_{2669-junior teacher}]_{2668-a school in which she was then residing as junior teacher}]_{2667-the proprietress of a school in which she was then residing as junior teacher} . [My]_0-i time is always so fully occupied , that [I]_0-i was glad to escape the necessity of a day 's loss in going from [Audley]_{150-lady audley} to [London]_3-london to inquire about [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} 's qualifications . [I]_0-i looked for [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} 's name in the directory , found it , and concluded that [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} was [a responsible person]_{2671-a responsible person} , and wrote to [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} . [Her]_{192-mrs. vincent} reply was perfectly satisfactory;—Miss [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} was assiduous and conscientious ; as well as fully qualified for the situation [I]_0-i offered . [I]_0-i accepted this reference , and [I]_0-i had no cause to regret what may have been an indiscretion . And now , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , [I]_0-i have told [you]_173-robert all that [I]_0-i have the power to tell . " "_[0-i] Will [you]_173-robert be so kind as to give [me]_0-i the address of this [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} ? " asked [Robert]_173-robert , taking out [his]_173-robert pocketbook . "_{[192-mrs. vincent]} Certainly ; [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} was then living at [No . 9 [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas} , [Brompton]_4-brompton]_{2672-no . 9 crescent villas , brompton} . " "_{[88-crescent villas]} Ah , to be sure , " muttered [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , a recollection of last September flashing suddenly back upon [him]_173-robert as [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} spoke . "_{[88-crescent villas]} [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas} — yes , [I]_0-i have heard the address before from [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} [herself]_{150-lady audley} . This [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} telegraphed to [[[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's wife]_{2648-my uncle 's wife} early in last September . [She]_{192-mrs. vincent} was ill — dying , [I]_0-i believe — and sent for [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ; but had removed from [[her]_{192-mrs. vincent} old house]_{2676-her old house} and was not to be found . " "_{[192-mrs. vincent]} Indeed ! [I]_0-i never heard [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} mention the circumstance . " "_{[150-lady audley]} Perhaps not . It occurred while [I]_0-i was down [here]_4776-here . Thank [you]_2678-you , [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} , for the information [you]_2678-you have so kindly and honestly given [me]_0-i . It takes [me]_0-i back two and a - half years in the history of [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's life ; but [I]_0-i have still a blank of three years to fill up before [I]_0-i can exonerate [her]_{150-lady audley} from [my]_0-i terrible suspicion . Good evening . " [Robert]_173-robert shook hands with [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} and returned to [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's room]_{6496-his uncle 's room} . [He]_173-robert had been away about a quarter of an hour . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} had fallen asleep once more , and [[my]_2680-you lady]_{468-my lady} 's loving hands had lowered the heavy curtains and shaded the lamp by the bedside . [Alicia]_149-alicia and [[[her]_149-alicia father]_{481-her father} 's wife]_{6570-her father 's wife} were taking tea in [[Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's boudoir]_{6571-lady audley 's boudoir} , [the room next to the antechamber in which [Robert]_173-robert and [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} had been seated]_{6572-the room next to the antechamber in which robert and mr. dawson had been seated} . [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy looked up from [her]_197-lucy occupation among the fragile china cups and watched [Robert]_173-robert rather anxiously as [he]_173-robert walked softly to [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's room]_{6496-his uncle 's room} and back again to [the boudoir]_{5330-the boudoir} . [She]_197-lucy looked very pretty and innocent , seated behind the graceful group of delicate opal china and glittering silver . Surely [a pretty woman]_{6576-a pretty woman} never looks prettier than when making tea . [The most feminine and most domestic of all occupations]_{6577-the most feminine and most domestic of all occupations} imparts a magic harmony to [her]_197-lucy every movement , a witchery to [her]_197-lucy every glance . The floating mists from the boiling liquid in which [she]_197-lucy infuses the soothing herbs ; whose secrets are known to [her]_197-lucy alone , envelope [her]_197-lucy in a cloud of scented vapor , through which [she]_197-lucy seems [a social fairy]_{6578-a social fairy} , weaving potent spells with [Gunpowder]_{278-gunpowder} and Bohea . At the tea - table [she]_197-lucy reigns omnipotent , unapproachable . What do [men]_4634-men know of the mysterious beverage ? Read how poor [Hazlitt]_279-hazlitt made [his]_279-hazlitt tea , and shudder at the dreadful barbarism . How clumsily [the wretched creatures]_{6580-the wretched creatures} attempt to assist [the witch president of the tea - tray]_{6581-the witch president of the tea - tray} ; how hopelessly [they]_{6580-the wretched creatures} hold the kettle , how continually [they]_{6580-the wretched creatures} imperil the frail cups and saucers , or the taper hands of [the priestess]_{6582-the priestess} . To do away with the tea - table is to [rob [woman]_6584-woman of [her]_6584-woman legitimate empire]_{6583-rob woman of her legitimate empire} . To send [a couple of hulking men]_{6585-a couple of hulking men} about among [[your]_6586-your visitors]_{6587-your visitors} , distributing a mixture made in [[the housekeeper]_{486-the housekeeper} 's room]_{799-the housekeeper 's room} , is to reduce the most social and friendly of ceremonies to a formal giving out of rations . Better the pretty influence of the tea cups and saucers gracefully wielded in [a woman]_{503-a woman} 's hand than all the inappropriate power snatched at the point of the pen from [the unwilling sterner sex]_{6591-the unwilling sterner sex} . Imagine [all the women of [England]_7-england]_{6592-all the women of england} elevated to the high level of masculine intellectuality , superior to crinoline ; above pearl powder and [Mrs. Rachael Levison]_{280-mrs. rachael levison} ; above taking the pains to be pretty ; above tea - tables and that cruelly scandalous and rather satirical gossip which [even strong men]_{6593-even strong men} delight in ; and what a drear , utilitarian , ugly life [the sterner sex]_{6594-the sterner sex} must lead . [[My]_2680-you lady]_{468-my lady} was by no means strong - minded . The starry diamonds upon [her]_{468-my lady} white fingers flashed hither and thither among the tea - things , and [she]_{468-my lady} bent [her]_{468-my lady} pretty head over the marvelous Indian tea - caddy of sandal - wood and silver , with as much earnestness as if life held no higher purpose than the infusion of [Bohea]_89-bohea . "_[2680-you] [You]_2680-you 'll take a cup of tea with [us]_2681-us , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ? " [she]_{468-my lady} asked , pausing with the teapot in [her]_{468-my lady} hand to look up at [Robert]_173-robert , who was standing near the door . "_[173-robert] If [you]_173-robert please . " "_[173-robert] But [you]_2680-you have not dined , perhaps ? Shall [I]_0-i ring and tell [them]_2682-them to bring [you]_2680-you something a little more substantial than biscuits and transparent bread and butter ? " "_[0-i] No , thank [you]_2680-you , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . [I]_0-i took some lunch before [I]_0-i left [town]_864-town . [I]_0-i 'll trouble [you]_2680-you for nothing but a cup of tea . " [He]_173-robert seated [himself]_173-robert at the little table and looked across it at [[his]_173-robert Cousin]_{786-his cousin} [Alicia]_149-alicia , who sat with a book in [her]_149-alicia lap , and had the air of being very much absorbed by its pages . The bright brunette complexion had lost its glowing crimson , and the animation of [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} 's manner was suppressed — on account of [[her]_149-alicia father]_{481-her father} 's illness , no doubt , [Robert]_173-robert thought . "_[0-i] [Alicia]_149-alicia , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} , " [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} said , after a very leisurely contemplation of [[his]_0-i cousin]_{786-his cousin} , "_[149-alicia] [you]_149-alicia 're not looking well . " [Miss Audley]_149-alicia shrugged [her]_149-alicia shoulders , but did not condescend to lift [her]_149-alicia eyes from [her]_149-alicia book . "_[149-alicia] Perhaps not , " [she]_149-alicia answered , contemptuously . "_[149-alicia] What does it matter ? [I]_0-i 'm growing [a philosopher of [[your]_0-i school]_{2686-your school}]_{2685-a philosopher of your school} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert . What does it matter ? Who cares whether [I]_0-i am well or ill ? " "_[149-alicia] What [a spitfire]_{2687-a spitfire} [she]_149-alicia is , " thought [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} . [He]_{955-the barrister} always knew [[his]_{955-the barrister} cousin]_{786-his cousin} was angry with [him]_{955-the barrister} when [she]_{786-his cousin} addressed [him]_{955-the barrister} as "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert . " "_[173-robert] [You]_0-i need n't pitch into [a fellow]_{5492-a fellow} because [he]_{5492-a fellow} asks [you]_0-i a civil question , [Alicia]_149-alicia , " [he]_{955-the barrister} said , reproachfully . "_[149-alicia] As to [nobody]_566-nobody caring about [your]_0-i health , that 's nonsense . [I]_0-i care . " [Miss Audley]_149-alicia looked up with a bright smile . "_[0-i] [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} cares . " [Miss Audley]_149-alicia returned to [her]_149-alicia book with a frown . "_{[214-sir harry towers]} What are [you]_0-i reading [there]_374-there , [Alicia]_149-alicia ? " [Robert]_173-robert asked , after a pause , during which [he]_173-robert had sat thoughtfully stirring [his]_173-robert tea . "_[0-i] Changes and Chances . " "_[0-i] A novel ? " "_[0-i] Yes . " "_[0-i] Who is it by ? " "_{[2691-the author of follies and faults]} [The author of Follies and Faults]_{2691-the author of follies and faults} , " answered [Alicia]_149-alicia , still pursuing [her]_149-alicia study of the romance upon [her]_149-alicia lap . "_{[2691-the author of follies and faults]} Is it interesting ? " [Miss Audley]_149-alicia pursed up [her]_149-alicia mouth and shrugged [her]_149-alicia shoulders . "_{[2691-the author of follies and faults]} Not particularly , " [she]_149-alicia said . "_{[2691-the author of follies and faults]} Then [I]_0-i think [you]_0-i might have better manners than to read it while [[your]_0-i first cousin]_{2692-your first cousin} is sitting opposite [you]_0-i , " observed [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , with some gravity , "_{[2692-your first cousin]} especially as [he]_{2692-your first cousin} has only come to pay [you]_0-i a flying visit , and will be off to - morrow morning . " "_{[2692-your first cousin]} To - morrow morning ! " exclaimed [[my]_{2692-your first cousin} lady]_{468-my lady} , looking up suddenly . Though the look of joy upon [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's face was as brief as a flash of lightning on a summer sky , it was not unperceived by [Robert]_173-robert . "_{[2692-your first cousin]} Yes , " [he]_173-robert said ; "_{[2692-your first cousin]} [I]_0-i shall be obliged to run up to [London]_3-london to - morrow on business , but [I]_0-i shall return the next day , if [you]_0-i will allow [me]_0-i , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , and stay here till [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} recovers . " "_{[150-lady audley]} But [you]_0-i are not seriously alarmed about [him]_{991-my uncle} , are [you]_0-i ? " asked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , anxiously . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i do not think [him]_{991-my uncle} very ill ? " "_[0-i] No , " answered [Robert]_173-robert . "_[0-i] Thank Heaven , [I]_0-i think there is not the slightest cause for apprehension . " [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} sat silent for a few moments , looking at the empty teacups with a prettily thoughtful face — a face grave with the innocent seriousness of [a musing child]_{6606-a musing child} . "_[0-i] But [you]_0-i were closeted such a long time with [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} , just now , " [she]_{468-my lady} said , after this brief pause . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i was quite alarmed at the length of [your]_0-i conversation . Were [you]_0-i talking of [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} all the time ? " "_[0-i] No ; not all the time ? " [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} looked down at the teacups once more . "_[0-i] Why , what could [you]_0-i find to say to [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} , or [he]_{991-my uncle} to say to [you]_0-i ? " [she]_{468-my lady} asked , after another pause . "_{[991-my uncle]} [You]_0-i are almost strangers to [each other]_{4890-each other} . " "_{[991-my uncle]} Suppose [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} wished to consult [me]_0-i about some law business . " "_{[151-mr. dawson]} Was it that ? " cried [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , eagerly . "_{[151-mr. dawson]} It would be rather unprofessional to tell [you]_0-i if it were so , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " answered [Robert]_173-robert , gravely . [[My]_{468-my lady} lady]_{468-my lady} bit [her]_{468-my lady} lip , and relapsed into silence . [Alicia]_149-alicia threw down [her]_149-alicia book , and watched [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} 's preoccupied face . [He]_173-robert talked to [her]_149-alicia now and then for a few minutes , but it was evidently an effort to [him]_173-robert to arouse [himself]_173-robert from [his]_173-robert revery . "_{[468-my lady]} Upon [my]_0-i word , [Robert Audley]_173-robert , [you]_173-robert are [a very agreeable companion]_{2696-a very agreeable companion} , " exclaimed [Alicia]_149-alicia at length , [her]_149-alicia rather limited stock of patience quite exhausted by two or three of these abortive attempts at conversation . "_{[2696-a very agreeable companion]} Perhaps the next time [you]_173-robert come to [the Court]_{373-the court} [you]_173-robert will be good enough to bring [your]_173-robert mind with [you]_173-robert . By [your]_173-robert present inanimate appearance , [I]_0-i should imagine that [you]_173-robert had left [your]_173-robert intellect , such as it is , somewhere in [the Temple]_{4856-the temple} . [You]_173-robert were never [one of the liveliest of [people]_572-people]_{2699-one of the liveliest of people} , but latterly [you]_173-robert have really grown almost unendurable . [I]_0-i suppose [you]_173-robert are in love , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , and are thinking of the honored object of [your]_173-robert affections . " [He]_173-robert was thinking of [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} ' uplifted face , sublime in its unutterable grief ; of [her]_{256-clara talboys} impassioned words still ringing in [his]_173-robert ears as clearly as when they were first spoken . Again [he]_173-robert saw [her]_{256-clara talboys} looking at [him]_173-robert with [her]_{256-clara talboys} bright brown eyes . Again [he]_173-robert heard that solemn question : "_[173-robert] Shall [you]_173-robert or [I]_0-i find [[my]_0-i brother]_{6319-my brother} 's murderer ? " And [he]_173-robert was in [Essex]_2-essex ; in [[the little village]_{6610-the little village} from which [he]_173-robert firmly believed [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} had never departed]_{6611-the little village from which he firmly believed george talboys had never departed} . [He]_173-robert was on the spot at which all record of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} 's life ended as suddenly as a story ends when [the reader]_{6613-the reader} shuts the book . And could [he]_173-robert withdraw now from the investigation in which [he]_173-robert found [himself]_173-robert involved ? Could [he]_173-robert stop now ? For any consideration ? No ; a thousand times no ! Not with the image of that grief - stricken face imprinted on [his]_173-robert mind . Not with the accents of that earnest appeal ringing on [his]_173-robert ear . [Robert]_173-robert left [Audley]_{150-lady audley} the next morning by [an early train]_{2088-an early train} , and reached [Shoreditch]_{70-shoreditch} a little after nine o'clock . [He]_173-robert did not return to [[his]_173-robert chambers]_{4865-his chambers} , but called [a cab]_{6454-a cab} and drove straight to [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas} , West [Brompton]_4-brompton . [He]_173-robert knew that [he]_173-robert should fail in finding [the lady [he]_173-robert went to seek at [this address]_{6618-this address} , as [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} had failed a few months before]_{6617-the lady he went to seek at this address , as his uncle had failed a few months before} , but [he]_173-robert thought it possible to obtain some clew to [[the schoolmistress]_{6620-the schoolmistress} ' new residence]_{6621-the schoolmistress ' new residence} , in spite of [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's ill - success . "_{[192-mrs. vincent]} [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} was in a dying state , according to the telegraphic message , " [Robert]_173-robert thought . "_{[192-mrs. vincent]} If [I]_0-i do find [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} , [I]_0-i shall at least succeed in discovering whether that message was genuine . " [He]_173-robert found [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas} after some difficulty . [The houses]_{2124-the houses} were large , but [they]_{2124-the houses} lay half imbedded among the chaos of brick and rising mortar around [them]_{2124-the houses} . [New terraces]_{6623-new terraces} , [new streets]_{6624-new streets} , [new squares]_{6625-new squares} led away into hopeless masses of stone and plaster on every side . [The roads]_{6626-the roads} were sticky with damp clay , which clogged the wheels of [the cab]_{2522-the cab} and buried the fetlocks of the horse . The desolations — that awful aspect of incompleteness and discomfort which pervades [a new and unfinished neighborhood]_{6628-a new and unfinished neighborhood} — had set its dismal seal upon [the surrounding streets which had arisen about and intrenched [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas}]_{6629-the surrounding streets which had arisen about and intrenched crescent villas} ; and [Robert]_173-robert wasted forty minutes by [his]_173-robert watch , and an hour and a quarter by [the cabman]_{1419-the cabman} 's reckoning , in driving up and down [uninhabited streets]_{6631-uninhabited streets} and [terraces]_{6632-terraces} , trying to find [the Villas]_{6633-the villas} ; whose chimney - tops were frowning down upon [him]_173-robert black and venerable , amid groves of virgin plaster , undimmed by time or smoke . But having at last succeeded in reaching [his]_173-robert destination , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert alighted from [the cab]_{2522-the cab} , directed [the driver]_{2351-the driver} to wait for [him]_173-robert at a certain corner , and set out upon [his]_173-robert voyage of discovery . "_{[192-mrs. vincent]} If [I]_0-i were [a distinguished Q.C.]_{2702-a distinguished q.c.} , [I]_0-i could not do this sort of thing , " [he]_0-i thought ; "_{[192-mrs. vincent]} [my]_0-i time would be worth a guinea or so a minute , and [I]_0-i should be retained in the great case of [Hoggs vs. Boggs]_{281-hoggs vs. boggs} , going forward this very day before a special jury at [Westminster Hall]_{90-westminster hall} . As it is , [I]_0-i can afford to be patient . " [He]_0-i inquired for [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} at the number which [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} had given [him]_0-i . [The maid who opened the door]_{6636-the maid who opened the door} had never heard [that lady]_{499-that lady} 's name ; but after going to inquire of [[her]_{6636-the maid who opened the door} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} , [she]_{6636-the maid who opened the door} returned to tell [Robert]_173-robert that [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} had lived [there]_374-there , but that [she]_2703-missus had left two months before [the present occupants]_{6640-the present occupants} had entered [the house]_{388-the house} , "_{[2703-missus]} and [missus]_2703-missus has been [here]_4776-here fifteen months , " [the girl]_{753-the girl} added emphatically . "_{[2703-missus]} But [you]_2705-you can not tell where [she]_2703-missus went on leaving [here]_4776-here ? " [Robert]_173-robert asked , despondingly . "_[2705-you] No , [sir]_900-sir ; [missus]_2703-missus says [she]_2703-missus believes [the lady]_{673-the lady} failed , and that [she]_2703-missus left sudden like , and did n't want [her]_2703-missus address to be known in [the neighborhood]_{504-the neighborhood} . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert felt [himself]_173-robert at a standstill once more . If [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} had left [the place]_{385-the place} in debt , [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} had no doubt scrupulously concealed [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} whereabouts . There was little hope , then , of learning [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} address from [the tradespeople]_{6644-the tradespeople} ; and yet , on the other hand , it was just possible that [some of [[her]_{192-mrs. vincent} sharpest creditors]_{6646-her sharpest creditors}]_{6645-some of her sharpest creditors} might have made it [their]_{6645-some of her sharpest creditors} business to discover [[the defaulter]_{6647-the defaulter} 's retreat]_{6648-the defaulter 's retreat} . [He]_173-robert looked about [him]_173-robert for [the nearest shops]_{6649-the nearest shops} , and found [[a baker]_{6650-a baker} 's , [a stationer]_{6652-a stationer} 's]_{6651-a baker 's , a stationer 's} , and [a fruiterer]_{6653-a fruiterer} 's a few paces from [the Crescent]_{91-the crescent} . [Three empty - looking , pretentious shops]_{6654-three empty - looking , pretentious shops} , with plate - glass windows , and a hopeless air of gentility . [He]_173-robert stopped at [the baker]_{2115-the baker} 's , who called [himself]_173-robert [a pastrycook and confectioner]_{6656-a pastrycook and confectioner} , and exhibited some specimens of petrified sponge - cake in glass bottles , and some highly - glazed tarts , covered with green gauze . "_[2711-she] [She]_2711-she must have bought bread , " [Robert]_173-robert thought , as [he]_173-robert deliberated before [[the baker]_{2115-the baker} 's shop]_{6658-the baker 's shop} ; "_[2711-she] and [she]_2711-she is likely to have bought it at [the handiest place]_{2712-the handiest place} . [I]_0-i 'll try [the baker]_{2115-the baker} . " [The baker]_{2115-the baker} was standing behind [his]_{2115-the baker} counter , disputing the items of a bill with [a shabby - genteel young woman]_{6660-a shabby - genteel young woman} . [He]_{2115-the baker} did not trouble [himself]_{2115-the baker} to attend to [Robert Audley]_173-robert until [he]_{2115-the baker} had settled the dispute , but [he]_{2115-the baker} looked up as [he]_{2115-the baker} was receipting the bill , and asked [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} what [he]_{2115-the baker} pleased to want . "_{[2115-the baker]} Can [you]_{2115-the baker} tell [me]_0-i the address of [a Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} , who lived at [No . 9 Crescent Villas]_{92-no . 9 crescent villas} a year and a half ago ? " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert inquired , mildly . "_{[192-mrs. vincent]} No , [I]_0-i ca n't , " answered [the baker]_{2115-the baker} , growing very red in the face , and speaking in an unnecessarily loud voice ; "_[0-i] and what 's more , [I]_0-i wish [I]_0-i could . [That lady]_{499-that lady} owes [me]_0-i upward of eleven pound for bread , and it 's rather more than [I]_0-i can afford to lose . If [anybody]_706-anybody can tell [me]_0-i where [she]_{499-that lady} lives , [I]_0-i shall be much obliged to 'em for so doing . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert shrugged [his]_173-robert shoulders and wished [the man]_{634-the man} good - morning . [He]_173-robert felt that [his]_173-robert discovery of [the lady]_{673-the lady} 's whereabouts would involve more trouble than [he]_173-robert had expected . [He]_173-robert might have looked for [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} 's name in [the Post - Office]_{6665-the post - office} directory , but [he]_173-robert thought it scarcely likely that [a lady who was on such uncomfortable terms with [[her]_{499-that lady} creditors]_{6667-her creditors} , would afford [them]_{6667-her creditors} so easy a means of ascertaining [her]_{499-that lady} residence]_{6666-a lady who was on such uncomfortable terms with her creditors , would afford them so easy a means of ascertaining her residence} . "_{[706-anybody]} If [the baker]_{2115-the baker} ca n't find [her]_{499-that lady} , how should [I]_0-i find [her]_{499-that lady} ? " [he]_0-i thought , despairingly . "_{[2115-the baker]} If [a resolute , sanguine , active and energetic creature]_{2717-a resolute , sanguine , active and energetic creature} , such as [the baker]_{2115-the baker} , fail to achieve this business , how can [a lymphatic wretch like [me]_0-i]_{2719-a lymphatic wretch like me} hope to accomplish it ? Where [the baker]_{2115-the baker} has been defeated , what preposterous folly it would be for [me]_0-i to try to succeed . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert abandoned [himself]_173-robert to these gloomy reflections as [he]_173-robert walked slowly back toward [the corner at which [he]_173-robert had left [the cab]_{2522-the cab}]_{6668-the corner at which he had left the cab} . About half - way between [[the baker]_{2115-the baker} 's shop]_{6658-the baker 's shop} and [this corner]_{6672-this corner} [he]_173-robert was arrested by hearing [a woman]_{503-a woman} 's step close at [his]_173-robert side , and [a woman]_{503-a woman} 's voice asking [him]_173-robert to stop . [He]_173-robert turned and found [himself]_173-robert face to face with [the shabbily - dressed woman whom [he]_173-robert had left settling [her]_{6675-the shabbily - dressed woman whom he had left settling her account with the baker} account with [the baker]_{2115-the baker}]_{6675-the shabbily - dressed woman whom he had left settling her account with the baker} . "_[6062-ma'am] Eh , what ? " [he]_173-robert asked , vaguely . "_[6062-ma'am] Can [I]_0-i do anything for [you]_2721-you , [ma'am]_6062-ma'am ? Does [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} owe [you]_2721-you money , too ? " "_[900-sir] Yes , [sir]_900-sir , " [the woman]_{5008-the woman} answered , with a semi - genteel manner which corresponded with the shabby gentility of [her]_{5008-the woman} dress . "_[900-sir] [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} is in [my]_0-i debt ; but it is n't that , [sir]_900-sir . [I]_0-i — [I]_0-i want to know , please , what [your]_900-sir business may be with [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} — because — because — " "_[900-sir] [You]_900-sir can give [me]_0-i [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} address if [you]_900-sir choose , [ma'am]_6062-ma'am . That 's what [you]_900-sir mean to say , is n't it ? " [The woman]_{5008-the woman} hesitated a little , looking rather suspiciously at [Robert]_173-robert . "_[900-sir] [You]_900-sir 're not connected with — with the tally business , are [you]_900-sir , [sir]_900-sir ? " [she]_{5008-the woman} asked , after considering [Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's personal appearance for a few moments . "_[900-sir] The what , [ma'am]_6062-ma'am ? " asked [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} , staring aghast at [[his]_{5094-the young barrister} questioner]_{6680-his questioner} . "_[900-sir] [I]_0-i 'm sure [I]_0-i beg [your]_900-sir pardon , [sir]_900-sir , " exclaimed [the little woman]_{6681-the little woman} , seeing that [she]_{6681-the little woman} had made some awful mistake . "_[900-sir] [I]_0-i thought [you]_900-sir might have been , [you]_900-sir know . [Some of [the gentlemen who collect for the tally shops]_{2730-the gentlemen who collect for the tally shops}]_{2729-some of the gentlemen who collect for the tally shops} do dress so very handsome ; and [I]_0-i know [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} owes a good deal of money . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert laid [his]_173-robert hand upon [the speaker]_{4906-the speaker} 's arm . "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i dear madam]_{2731-my dear madam} , " [he]_0-i said , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i want to know nothing of [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} 's affairs . So far from being concerned in what [you]_{2731-my dear madam} call the tally business , [I]_0-i have not the remotest idea what [you]_{2731-my dear madam} mean by that expression . [You]_{2731-my dear madam} may mean a political conspiracy ; [you]_{2731-my dear madam} may mean some new species of taxes . [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} does not owe [me]_0-i any money , however badly [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} may stand with [that awful - looking baker]_{2732-that awful - looking baker} . [I]_0-i never saw [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} in [my]_0-i life ; but [I]_0-i wish to see [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} to - day for the simple purpose of asking [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} a few very plain questions about [a young lady who once resided in [[her]_{192-mrs. vincent} house]_{2734-her house}]_{2733-a young lady who once resided in her house} . If [you]_{2731-my dear madam} know where [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} lives and will give [me]_0-i [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} address , [you]_{2731-my dear madam} will be doing [me]_0-i a great favor . " [He]_900-sir took out [his]_900-sir card - case and handed a card to [the woman]_{5008-the woman} , who examined the slip of pasteboard anxiously before [she]_{5008-the woman} spoke again . "_{[2731-my dear madam]} [I]_0-i 'm sure [you]_{2731-my dear madam} look and speak like [a gentleman]_{4644-a gentleman} , [sir]_900-sir , " [she]_{5008-the woman} said , after a brief pause , "_{[2731-my dear madam]} and [I]_0-i hope [you]_{2731-my dear madam} will excuse [me]_0-i if [I]_0-i 've seemed mistrustful like ; but poor [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} has had dreadful difficulties , and [I]_0-i 'm [the only person hereabouts that [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} 's trusted with [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} addresses]_{2737-the only person hereabouts that she 's trusted with her addresses} . [I]_0-i 'm [a dressmaker]_{2738-a dressmaker} , [sir]_900-sir , and [I]_0-i 've worked for [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} for upward of six years , and though [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} does n't pay [me]_0-i regular , [you]_{2731-my dear madam} know , [sir]_900-sir , [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} gives [me]_0-i a little money on account now and then , and [I]_0-i get on as well as [I]_0-i can . [I]_0-i may tell [you]_900-sir where [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} lives , then , [sir]_900-sir ? [You]_900-sir have n't deceived [me]_0-i , have [you]_900-sir ? " "_[900-sir] On [my]_0-i honor , no . " "_[900-sir] Well , then [sir]_900-sir , " said [the dressmaker]_{6684-the dressmaker} , dropping [her]_{6684-the dressmaker} voice as if [she]_{6684-the dressmaker} thought the pavement beneath [her]_{6684-the dressmaker} feet , or the iron railings before [the houses by [her]_{6684-the dressmaker} side]_{6685-the houses by her side} , might have ears to hear [her]_{6684-the dressmaker} , "_[900-sir] it 's [Acacia Cottage]_{93-acacia cottage} , [Peckham Grove]_{94-peckham grove} . [I]_0-i took a dress [there]_374-there yesterday for [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} . " "_[0-i] Thank [you]_900-sir , " said [Robert]_173-robert , writing the address in [his]_173-robert pocketbook . "_[900-sir] [I]_0-i am very much obliged to [you]_900-sir , and [you]_900-sir may rely upon it , [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} shall not suffer any inconvenience through [me]_0-i . " [He]_173-robert lifted [his]_173-robert hat , bowed to [the little dressmaker]_{6686-the little dressmaker} , and turned back to [the cab]_{2522-the cab} . "_{[192-mrs. vincent]} [I]_0-i have beaten [the baker]_{2115-the baker} , at any rate , " [he]_173-robert thought . "_{[2115-the baker]} Now for the second stage , traveling backward , in [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's life . " The drive from [Brompton]_4-brompton to [the Peckham Road]_{6688-the peckham road} was a very long one , and between [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas} and [Acacia Cottage]_{93-acacia cottage} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert had ample leisure for reflection . [He]_173-robert thought of [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} lying weak and ill in [the oak - room at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{6690-the oak - room at audley court} . [He]_173-robert thought of the beautiful blue eyes watching [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's slumbers ; the soft , white hands tending on [his]_173-robert waking moments ; the low musical voice soothing [his]_173-robert loneliness , cheering and consoling [his]_173-robert declining years . What a pleasant picture it might have been , had [he]_173-robert been able to look upon it ignorantly , seeing no more than [others]_5097-others saw , looking no further than [a stranger]_{1506-a stranger} could look . But with the black cloud which [he]_173-robert saw brooding over it , what an arch mockery , what a diabolical delusion it seemed . [Peckham Grove]_{94-peckham grove} — pleasant enough in the summer - time — has rather a dismal aspect upon a dull February day , when the trees are bare and leafless , and [the little gardens]_{6693-the little gardens} desolate . [Acacia Cottage]_{93-acacia cottage} bore small token of the fitness of [its]_{93-acacia cottage} nomenclature , and faced [the road]_{1231-the road} with [its]_{93-acacia cottage} stuccoed walls sheltered only by a couple of attenuated poplars . But it announced that [it]_{93-acacia cottage} was [Acacia Cottage]_{93-acacia cottage} by means of a small brass plate upon one of the gate - posts , which was sufficient indication for [the sharp - sighted cabman]_{6695-the sharp - sighted cabman} , who dropped [Mr. Audley]_173-robert upon the pavement before the little gate . [Acacia Cottage]_{93-acacia cottage} was much lower in the social scale than [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas} , and [the small maid]_{6696-the small maid} - servant who came to the low wooden gate and parleyed with [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , was evidently well used to the encounter of [relentless creditors]_{6697-relentless creditors} across [the same feeble barricade]_{6698-the same feeble barricade} . [She]_{6696-the small maid} murmured the familiar domestic fiction of the uncertainty regarding [[her]_{6696-the small maid} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} 's whereabouts ; and told [Robert]_173-robert that if [he]_173-robert would please to state [his]_173-robert name and business , [she]_{6696-the small maid} would go and see if [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} was at [home]_479-home . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert produced a card , and wrote in pencil under [his]_173-robert own name : "_[0-i] a connection of [the late Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} . " [He]_173-robert directed [the small servant]_{6701-the small servant} to carry [his]_173-robert card to [[her]_{6696-the small maid} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} , and quietly awaited the result . [The servant]_{1203-the servant} returned in about five minutes with the key of the gate . [[Her]_{6696-the small maid} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} was at [home]_479-home , [she]_{1497-her mistress} told [Robert]_173-robert as [she]_{1497-her mistress} admitted [him]_173-robert , and would be happy to see [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} . [The square parlor into which [Robert]_173-robert was ushered]_{6707-the square parlor into which robert was ushered} bore in every scrap of ornament , in every article of furniture , the unmistakable stamp of that species of poverty which is most comfortless because it is never stationary . [The mechanic who furnishes [[his]_173-robert tiny sitting - room with half - a - dozen cane chairs]_{6709-his tiny sitting - room with half - a - dozen cane chairs}]_{6708-the mechanic who furnishes his tiny sitting - room with half - a - dozen cane chairs} , a Pembroke table , a Dutch clock , a tiny looking - glass , [a crockery shepherd and shepherdess]_{6710-a crockery shepherd and shepherdess} , and a set of gaudily - japanned iron tea - trays , makes the most of [his]_173-robert limited possessions , and generally contrives to get some degree of comfort out of them ; but [the lady who loses the handsome furniture of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{6711-the lady who loses the handsome furniture of the house} [she]_{6711-the lady who loses the handsome furniture of the house} is compelled to abandon and encamps in [some smaller habitation with the shabby remainder — bought in by [some merciful friend]_{6714-some merciful friend} at the sale of [her]_{6711-the lady who loses the handsome furniture of the house} effects]_{6713-some smaller habitation with the shabby remainder — bought in by some merciful friend at the sale of her effects} — carries with [her]_{6711-the lady who loses the handsome furniture of the house} an aspect of genteel desolation and tawdry misery not easily to be paralleled in wretchedness by any other phase which poverty can assume . [The room which [Robert Audley]_173-robert surveyed]_{6715-the room which robert audley surveyed} was furnished with the shabbier scraps snatched from [the ruin which had overtaken [the imprudent schoolmistress]_{6717-the imprudent schoolmistress} in [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas}]_{6716-the ruin which had overtaken the imprudent schoolmistress in crescent villas} . A cottage piano , a chiffonier , six sizes too large for [the room]_{595-the room} , and dismally gorgeous in gilded moldings that were chipped and broken ; a slim - legged card - table , placed in the post of honor , formed the principal pieces of furniture . A threadbare patch of Brussels carpet covered the center of [the room]_{595-the room} , and formed an oasis of roses and lilies upon [a desert of shabby green drugget]_{6720-a desert of shabby green drugget} . Knitted curtains shaded the windows , in which hung wire baskets of horrible - looking plants of the cactus species , that grew downward , like some demented class of vegetation , whose prickly and spider - like members had a fancy for standing on [their]_{6711-the lady who loses the handsome furniture of the house} heads . The green - baize covered card - table was adorned with gaudily - bound annuals or books of beauty , placed at right angles ; but [Robert Audley]_173-robert did not avail [himself]_173-robert of these literary distractions . [He]_173-robert seated [himself]_173-robert upon one of the rickety chairs , and waited patiently for the advent of [the schoolmistress]_{6620-the schoolmistress} . [He]_173-robert could hear the hum of half - a - dozen voices in [a room near [him]_173-robert]_{6722-a room near him} , and the jingling harmonies of a set of variations in Deh Conte , upon a piano , whose every wire was evidently in the last stage of attenuation . [He]_173-robert had waited for about a quarter of an hour , when the door was opened , and [a lady]_{1799-a lady} , very much dressed , and with the setting sunlight of faded beauty upon [her]_{1799-a lady} face , entered [the room]_{595-the room} . "_{[152-miss graham]} [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , [I]_0-i presume , " [she]_{1799-a lady} said , motioning to [Robert]_173-robert to reseat [himself]_173-robert , and placing [herself]_{1799-a lady} in an easy - chair opposite to [him]_173-robert . "_[173-robert] [You]_173-robert will pardon [me]_0-i , [I]_0-i hope , for detaining [you]_173-robert so long ; [my]_0-i duties — " "_[0-i] It is [I]_0-i who should apologize for intruding upon [you]_0-i , " [Robert]_173-robert answered , politely ; "_[0-i] but [my]_0-i motive for calling upon [you]_0-i is a very serious one , and must plead [my]_0-i excuse . [You]_0-i remember [the lady whose name [I]_0-i wrote upon [my]_0-i card]_{2746-the lady whose name i wrote upon my card} ? " "_{[2746-the lady whose name i wrote upon my card]} Perfectly . " "_{[2746-the lady whose name i wrote upon my card]} May [I]_0-i ask how much [you]_173-robert know of [that lady]_{499-that lady} 's history since [her]_{499-that lady} departure from [[your]_173-robert house]_{6183-your house} ? " "_[173-robert] Very little . In point of fact , scarcely anything at all . [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} , [I]_0-i believe , obtained a situation in [the family of [a surgeon resident in [Essex]_2-essex]_{2750-a surgeon resident in essex}]_{2749-the family of a surgeon resident in essex} . Indeed , it was [I]_0-i who recommended [her]_{152-miss graham} to [that gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} . [I]_0-i have never heard from [her]_{152-miss graham} since [she]_{152-miss graham} left [me]_0-i . " "_[0-i] But [you]_173-robert have communicated with [her]_{152-miss graham} ? " [Robert]_173-robert asked , eagerly . "_[173-robert] No , indeed . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert was silent for a few moments , the shadow of gloomy thoughts gathering darkly on [his]_173-robert face . "_[173-robert] May [I]_0-i ask if [you]_173-robert sent a telegraphic dispatch to [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} early in last September , stating that [you]_173-robert were dangerously ill , and that [you]_173-robert wished to see [her]_{152-miss graham} ? " [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} smiled at [[her]_{192-mrs. vincent} visitor]_{6725-her visitor} 's question . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i had no occasion to send such a message , " [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} said ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have never been seriously ill in [my]_0-i life . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert paused before [he]_173-robert asked any further questions , and scrawled a few penciled words in [his]_173-robert note - book . "_[0-i] If [I]_0-i ask [you]_0-i a few straightforward questions about [Miss Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} , [madam]_2752-madam , " [he]_173-robert said . "_[2752-madam] Will [you]_0-i do [me]_0-i the favor to answer [them]_2753-them without asking [my]_0-i motive in making such inquiries ? " "_[0-i] Most certainly , " replied [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i know nothing to [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} 's disadvantage , and have no justification for making a mystery of the little [I]_0-i do know . " "_[0-i] Then will [you]_0-i tell [me]_0-i at what date [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} first came to [you]_0-i ? " [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} smiled and shook [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} head . [She]_{192-mrs. vincent} had a pretty smile — the frank smile of [a woman who had been admired , and who has too long felt the certainty of being able to please , to be utterly subjugated by any worldly misfortune]_{6726-a woman who had been admired , and who has too long felt the certainty of being able to please , to be utterly subjugated by any worldly misfortune} . "_[0-i] It 's not the least use to ask [me]_0-i , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} said . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i 'm [the most careless creature in [the world]_{519-the world}]_{2755-the most careless creature in the world} ; [I]_0-i never did , and never could remember dates , though [I]_0-i do all in [my]_0-i power to impress upon [[my]_0-i girls]_{2757-my girls} how important it is for [their]_{2757-my girls} future welfare that [they]_{2757-my girls} should know when [William the Conqueror]_251-billy began to reign , and all that kind of thing . But [I]_0-i have n't the remotest idea when [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} came to [me]_0-i , although [I]_0-i know it was ages ago , for it was the very summer [I]_0-i had [my]_0-i peach - colored silk . But [we]_2758-we must consult [Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} — [Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} is sure to be right . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert wondered who or what [Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} could be ; a diary , perhaps , or a memorandum - book — [some obscure rival of [Letsome]_283-letsome]_{6727-some obscure rival of letsome} . [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} rung the bell , which was answered by [the maid - servant who had admitted [Robert]_173-robert]_{6728-the maid - servant who had admitted robert} . "_{[282-miss tonks]} Ask [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} to come to [me]_0-i , " [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} said . "_{[282-miss tonks]} [I]_0-i want to see [her]_{282-miss tonks} particularly . " In less than five minutes [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} made [her]_{282-miss tonks} appearance . [She]_{282-miss tonks} was wintry and rather frost - bitten in aspect , and seemed to bring cold air in the scanty folds of [her]_{282-miss tonks} somber merino dress . [She]_{282-miss tonks} was no age in particular , and looked as if [she]_{282-miss tonks} had never been younger , and would never grow older , but would remain forever working backward and forward in [her]_{282-miss tonks} narrow groove , like some self - feeding machine for the instruction of [young ladies]_{6729-young ladies} . "_{[282-miss tonks]} [Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} , " said [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} , without ceremony , "_{[282-miss tonks]} [this gentleman]_{1183-this gentleman} is [a relative of [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} 's]_{2761-a relative of miss graham 's} . Do [you]_{282-miss tonks} remember how long it is since [she]_{282-miss tonks} came to [us]_2762-us at [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas} ? " "_{[282-miss tonks]} [She]_{282-miss tonks} came in August , 1854 , " answered [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} ; "_{[282-miss tonks]} [I]_0-i think it was the eighteenth of August , but [I]_0-i 'm not quite sure that it was n't the seventeenth . [I]_0-i know it was on a Tuesday . " "_[0-i] Thank [you]_{282-miss tonks} , [Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} ; [you]_{282-miss tonks} are [a most invaluable darling]_{2763-a most invaluable darling} , " exclaimed [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} , with [her]_{192-mrs. vincent} sweetest smile . It was , perhaps , because of the invaluable nature of [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} ' services that [she]_{282-miss tonks} had received no remuneration whatever from [[her]_{282-miss tonks} employer]_{542-her employer} for the last three or four years . [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} might have hesitated to pay from very contempt for the pitiful nature of the stipend as compared with the merits of [the teacher]_{6731-the teacher} . "_{[282-miss tonks]} Is there anything else that [Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} or [I]_0-i can tell [you]_{282-miss tonks} , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ? " asked [the schoolmistress]_{6620-the schoolmistress} . "_{[282-miss tonks]} [Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} has a far better memory than [I]_0-i have . " "_{[282-miss tonks]} Can [you]_{282-miss tonks} tell [me]_0-i where [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} came from when [she]_{152-miss graham} entered [[your]_{282-miss tonks} household]_{2764-your household} ? " [Robert]_173-robert inquired . "_{[282-miss tonks]} Not very precisely , " answered [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} . "_{[282-miss tonks]} [I]_0-i have a vague notion that [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} said something about coming from [the seaside]_{2765-the seaside} , but [she]_{152-miss graham} did n't say where , or if [she]_{152-miss graham} did [I]_0-i have forgotten it . [Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} , did [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} tell [you]_{282-miss tonks} where [she]_{152-miss graham} came from ? " "_{[152-miss graham]} Oh , no ! " replied [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} , shaking [her]_{282-miss tonks} grim little head significantly . "_{[152-miss graham]} [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} told [me]_0-i nothing ; [she]_{152-miss graham} was too clever for that . [She]_{152-miss graham} knows how to keep [her]_{152-miss graham} own secrets , in spite of [her]_{152-miss graham} innocent ways and [her]_{152-miss graham} curly hair , " [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} added , spitefully . "_{[152-miss graham]} [You]_{282-miss tonks} think [she]_{152-miss graham} had secrets ? " [Robert]_173-robert asked , rather eagerly . "_{[152-miss graham]} [I]_0-i know [she]_{152-miss graham} had , " replied [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} , with frosty decision ; "_{[152-miss graham]} all manner of secrets . [I]_0-i would n't have engaged such a person as [junior teacher in [a respectable school]_{2767-a respectable school}]_{2766-junior teacher in a respectable school} , without so much as one word of recommendation from [any living creature]_{6108-any living creature} . " "_{[282-miss tonks]} [You]_{282-miss tonks} had no reference , then , from [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} ? " asked [Robert]_173-robert , addressing [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} . "_{[282-miss tonks]} No , " [the lady]_{673-the lady} answered , with some little embarrassment ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i waived that . [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} waived the question of salary ; [I]_0-i could not do less than waive the question of reference . [She]_{152-miss graham} quarreled with [[her]_{152-miss graham} papa]_{2769-her papa} , [she]_{152-miss graham} told [me]_0-i , and [she]_{152-miss graham} wanted to find a home away from [all the people [she]_{152-miss graham} had ever known]_{2770-all the people she had ever known} . [She]_{152-miss graham} wished to keep [herself]_{152-miss graham} quite separate from [these people]_{2771-these people} . [She]_{152-miss graham} had endured so much , [she]_{152-miss graham} said , young as [she]_{152-miss graham} was , and [she]_{152-miss graham} wanted to escape from [her]_{152-miss graham} troubles . How could [I]_0-i press [her]_{152-miss graham} for a reference under these circumstances , especially when [I]_0-i saw that [she]_{152-miss graham} was [a perfect lady]_{2772-a perfect lady} . [You]_2773-you know that [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} was [a perfect lady]_{2772-a perfect lady} , [Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} , and it is very unkind for [you]_2773-you to say such cruel things about [my]_0-i taking [her]_{152-miss graham} without a reference . " "_[2773-you] When [people]_572-people make favorites , [they]_572-people are apt to be deceived in [them]_572-people , " [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} answered , with icy sententiousness , and with no very perceptible relevance to the point in discussion . "_[572-people] [I]_0-i never made [her]_{152-miss graham} a favorite , [you]_{282-miss tonks} jealous [Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} , " [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} answered , reproachfully . "_{[282-miss tonks]} [I]_0-i never said [she]_{152-miss graham} was as useful as [you]_{282-miss tonks} , [dear]_5809-dear . [You]_2773-you know [I]_0-i never did . " "_[0-i] Oh , no ! " replied [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} , with a chilling accent , "_{[282-miss tonks]} [you]_{282-miss tonks} never said [she]_{152-miss graham} was useful . [She]_{152-miss graham} was only [ornamental]_{2777-ornamental} ; a person to be shown off to [visitors]_400-visitors , and to play fantasias on the drawing - room piano . " "_{[152-miss graham]} Then [you]_{282-miss tonks} can give [me]_0-i no clew to [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} 's previous history ? " [Robert]_173-robert asked , looking from [the schoolmistress]_{6620-the schoolmistress} to [[her]_{6620-the schoolmistress} teacher]_{6735-her teacher} . [He]_173-robert saw very clearly that [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} bore an envious grudge against [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} — a grudge which even the lapse of time had not healed . "_{[282-miss tonks]} If [this woman]_{557-this woman} knows anything to [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's detriment , [she]_{557-this woman} will tell it , " [he]_0-i thought . "_{[557-this woman]} [She]_{557-this woman} will tell it only too willingly . " But [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} appeared to know nothing whatever ; except that [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} had sometimes declared [herself]_{152-miss graham} [an ill - used creature , deceived by the baseness of [mankind]_6424-mankind]_{6736-an ill - used creature , deceived by the baseness of mankind} , and [the victim of unmerited sufferings]_{6738-the victim of unmerited sufferings} , in the way of poverty and deprivation . Beyond this , [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} could tell nothing ; and although [she]_{282-miss tonks} made the most of what [she]_{282-miss tonks} did know , [Robert]_173-robert soon sounded the depth of [her]_{282-miss tonks} small stock of information . "_{[557-this woman]} [I]_0-i have only one more question to ask , " [he]_0-i said at last . "_[0-i] It is this : Did [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} leave any books or knick - knacks , or any other kind of property whatever , behind [her]_{152-miss graham} , when [she]_{152-miss graham} left [[your]_2781-your establishment]_{2782-your establishment} ? " "_{[152-miss graham]} Not to [my]_0-i knowledge , " [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} replied . "_{[152-miss graham]} Yes , " cried [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} , sharply . "_{[152-miss graham]} [She]_{152-miss graham} did leave something . [She]_{152-miss graham} left a box . It 's up - stairs in [[my]_0-i room]_{6080-my room} . [I]_0-i 've got an old bonnet in it . Would [you]_0-i like to see the box ? " [she]_{282-miss tonks} asked , addressing [Robert]_173-robert . "_[0-i] If [you]_0-i will be so good as to allow [me]_0-i , " [he]_0-i answered , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i should very much like to see it . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll fetch it down , " said [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} . "_[0-i] It 's not very big . " [She]_{282-miss tonks} ran out of [the room]_{595-the room} before [Mr. Audley]_173-robert had time to utter any polite remonstrance . "_[0-i] How pitiless [these women]_{2784-these women} are to [each other]_{4890-each other} , " [he]_0-i thought , while [the teacher]_{6731-the teacher} was absent . "_[0-i] [This one]_{2209-this one} knows intuitively that there is some danger to the other lurking beneath [my]_0-i questions . [She]_{2209-this one} sniffs the coming trouble to [[her]_{2209-this one} fellow female creature]_{2787-her fellow female creature} , and rejoices in it , and would take any pains to help [me]_0-i . What [a world]_{2788-a world} [it]_2789-it is , and how [these women]_{2784-these women} take life out of [her]_{2209-this one} hands . [Helen Maldon]_{238-helen maldon} , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , and now [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} — [all womankind]_{2791-all womankind} from beginning to end . " [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} re - entered while [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} was meditating upon the infamy of [her]_{282-miss tonks} sex . [She]_{282-miss tonks} carried a dilapidated paper - covered bonnet - box , which [she]_{282-miss tonks} submitted to [Robert]_173-robert 's inspection . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert knelt down to examine the scraps of railway labels and addresses which were pasted here and there upon the box . [It]_6742-it had been battered upon a great many [different lines of railway]_{6743-different lines of railway} , and had evidently traveled considerably . Many of the labels had been torn off , but fragments of some of them remained , and upon one yellow scrap of paper [Robert]_173-robert read the letters , [TURI]_284-turi . "_{[282-miss tonks]} The box has been to [Italy]_9-italy , " [he]_173-robert thought . "_{[282-miss tonks]} Those are the first four letters of the word [Turin]_285-turin , and the label is a foreign one . " The only direction which had not been either defaced or torn away was the last , which bore the name of [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} , passenger to [London]_3-london . Looking very closely at this label , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert discovered that it had been pasted over another . "_[285-turin] Will [you]_{282-miss tonks} be so good as to let [me]_0-i have a little water and a piece of sponge ? " [he]_0-i said . "_{[282-miss tonks]} [I]_0-i want to get off this upper label . Believe [me]_0-i that [I]_0-i am justified in what [I]_0-i am doing . " [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} ran out of [the room]_{595-the room} and returned immediately with a basin of water and a sponge . "_[0-i] Shall [I]_0-i take off the label ? " [she]_{282-miss tonks} asked . "_[0-i] No , thank [you]_{282-miss tonks} , " [Robert]_173-robert answered , coldly . "_{[282-miss tonks]} [I]_0-i can do it very well [myself]_0-i . " [He]_173-robert damped the upper label several times before [he]_173-robert could loosen the edges of the paper ; but after two or three careful attempts the moistened surface peeled off , without injury to the underneath address . [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} could not contrive to read this address across [Robert]_173-robert 's shoulder , though [she]_{282-miss tonks} exhibited considerable dexterity in [her]_{282-miss tonks} endeavors to accomplish that object . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert repeated [his]_0-i operations upon the lower label , which [he]_0-i removed from the box , and placed very carefully between two blank leaves of [his]_0-i pocket - book . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i need intrude upon [you]_{282-miss tonks} no longer , [ladies]_5997-ladies , " [he]_0-i said , when [he]_0-i had done this . "_{[5997-ladies]} [I]_0-i am extremely obliged to [you]_{282-miss tonks} for having afforded [me]_0-i all the information in [your]_{282-miss tonks} power . [I]_0-i wish [you]_{282-miss tonks} good - morning . " [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} smiled and bowed , murmuring some complacent conventionality about the delight [she]_{192-mrs. vincent} had felt in [Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's visit . [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} , more observant , stared at the white change , which had come over [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's face since [he]_{667-the young man} had removed the upper label from the box . [Robert]_173-robert walked slowly away from [Acacia Cottage]_{93-acacia cottage} . "_[0-i] If that which [I]_0-i have found to - day is no evidence for [a jury]_{2793-a jury} , " [he]_0-i thought , "_[0-i] it is surely enough to convince [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} that [he]_{991-my uncle} has married [a designing and infamous woman]_{2795-a designing and infamous woman} . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert walked slowly through [the leafless grove]_{6746-the leafless grove} , under the bare and shadowless trees in the gray February atmosphere , thinking as [he]_0-i went of the discovery [he]_0-i had just made . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have that in [my]_0-i pocket - book , " [he]_0-i pondered , "_[0-i] which forms the connecting link between [the woman whose death [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} read of in the Times newspaper]_{2796-the woman whose death george talboys read of in the times newspaper} and the woman who rules in [[[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's house]_{5900-my uncle 's house} . The history of [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} ends abruptly on the threshold of [[Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} 's school]_{2799-mrs. vincent 's school} . [She]_{152-miss graham} entered [that establishment]_{2800-that establishment} in August , 1854 . [The schoolmistress]_{6620-the schoolmistress} and [[her]_{6620-the schoolmistress} assistant]_{2802-her assistant} can tell [me]_0-i this but [they]_2803-they can not tell [me]_0-i whence [she]_{152-miss graham} came . [They]_2803-they can not give [me]_0-i one clew to the secrets of [her]_{152-miss graham} life from the day of [her]_{152-miss graham} birth until the day [she]_{152-miss graham} entered [that house]_{6322-that house} . [I]_0-i can go no further in this backward investigation of [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's antecedents . What am [I]_0-i to do , then , if [I]_0-i mean to keep [my]_0-i promise to [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} ? " [He]_0-i walked on for a few paces revolving this question in [his]_0-i mind , with a darker shadow than the shadows of the gathering winter twilight on [his]_0-i face , and a heavy oppression of mingled sorrow and dread weighing down [his]_0-i heart . "_[0-i] [My]_0-i duty is clear enough , " [he]_0-i thought—"not_[0-i] the less clear because it leads [me]_0-i step by step , carrying ruin and desolation with [me]_0-i , to [the home [I]_0-i love]_{2806-the home i love} . [I]_0-i must begin at the other end — [I]_0-i must begin at the other end , and discover the history of [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} from the hour of [George]_{181-george talboys} 's departure until the day of the funeral in [[the churchyard]_{898-the churchyard} at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor]_{1101-the churchyard at ventnor} . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert hailed [a passing hansom]_{6747-a passing hansom} , and drove back to [[his]_0-i chambers]_{4865-his chambers} . [He]_0-i reached [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} in time to write a few lines to [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , and to post [his]_0-i letter at [St. Martin's - le - Grand]_{95-st. martin's - le - grand} off before six o'clock . "_[2810-you] It will save [me]_0-i a day , " [he]_0-i thought , as [he]_0-i drove to [the General Post Office]_{6749-the general post office} with this brief epistle . [He]_0-i had written to [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} to inquire the name of [the little seaport town in which [George]_{181-george talboys}]_{6750-the little seaport town in which george} had met [Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} and [[his]_{183-captain maldon} daughter]_{556-his daughter} ; for in spite of the intimacy between [the two young men]_{4962-the two young men} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert knew very few particulars of [[his]_0-i friend]_{4909-his friend} 's brief married life . From the hour in which [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} had read the announcement of [[his]_{183-captain maldon} wife]_{554-his wife} 's death in the columns of the Times , [he]_0-i had avoided all mention of the tender history which had been so cruelly broken , the familiar record which had been so darkly blotted out . There was so much that was painful in that brief story ! There was such bitter self - reproach involved in the recollection of that desertion which must have seemed so cruel to [her]_{554-his wife} who waited and watched at [home]_479-home ! [Robert Audley]_173-robert comprehended this , and [he]_0-i did not wonder at [[his]_0-i friend]_{4909-his friend} 's silence . The sorrowful story had been tacitly avoided by [both]_6757-both , and [Robert]_173-robert was as ignorant of the unhappy history of this one year in [[his]_0-i schoolfellow]_{6758-his schoolfellow} 's life as if [they]_{4962-the two young men} had never lived together in friendly companionship in [those snug Temple chambers]_{6759-those snug temple chambers} . The letter , written to [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} by [[her]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6760-her brother} [George]_{181-george talboys} , within a month of [his]_{183-captain maldon} marriage , was dated [Harrowgate]_{96-harrowgate} . It was at [Harrowgate]_{96-harrowgate} , therefore , [Robert]_173-robert concluded , [the young couple]_{6761-the young couple} spent [their]_{6761-the young couple} honeymoon . [Robert Audley]_173-robert had requested [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} to telegraph an answer to [his]_173-robert question , in order to avoid the loss of a day in the accomplishment of the investigation [he]_173-robert had promised to perform . The telegraphic answer reached [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} before twelve o'clock the next day . The name of [the seaport town]_{6762-the seaport town} was [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} , [Yorkshire]_98-yorkshire . Within an hour of the receipt of this message , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert arrived at [the King's - cross station]_{6763-the king's - cross station} , and took [his]_173-robert ticket for [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} by [an express train that started at]_{6764-an express train that started at} a quarter before two . The shrieking engine bore [him]_173-robert on the dreary northward journey , whirling [him]_173-robert over [desert wastes of flat meadow - land]_{6765-desert wastes of flat meadow - land} and bare cornfields , faintly tinted with fresh sprouting green . [This northern road]_{6766-this northern road} was strange and unfamiliar to [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} , and the wide expanse of [the wintry landscape]_{1904-the wintry landscape} chilled [him]_{5094-the young barrister} by its aspect of bare loneliness . The knowledge of the purpose of [his]_{5094-the young barrister} journey blighted every object upon which [his]_{5094-the young barrister} absent glances fixed themselves for a moment , only to wander wearily away ; only to turn inward upon that far darker picture always presenting itself to [his]_{5094-the young barrister} anxious mind . It was dark when [the train]_{1957-the train} reached [the [Hull]_99-hull terminus]_{6770-the hull terminus} , but [Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's journey was not ended . Amidst a crowd of [porters]_1428-porters and scattered heaps of that incongruous and heterogeneous luggage with which [travelers]_{6772-travelers} incumber [themselves]_{6772-travelers} , [he]_173-robert was led , bewildered and half asleep , to [another train which was to convey [him]_173-robert]_{6773-another train which was to convey him} along [the branch line that swept past [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea}]_{6774-the branch line that swept past wildernsea} , and skirted [the border of [the German Ocean]_{100-the german ocean}]_{6775-the border of the german ocean} . Half an hour after leaving [Hull]_99-hull , [Robert]_173-robert felt the briny freshness of [the sea]_{661-the sea} upon the breeze that blew in at the open window of [the carriage]_{5171-the carriage} , and an hour afterward [the train]_{1957-the train} stopped at [a melancholy station]_{6779-a melancholy station} , built amid [a sandy desert]_{6780-a sandy desert} , and inhabited by [two or three gloomy officials]_{6781-two or three gloomy officials} , [one of whom rung a terrific peal upon a harshly clanging bell]_{6782-one of whom rung a terrific peal upon a harshly clanging bell} as [the train]_{1957-the train} approached . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert was [the only passenger who alighted at [the dismal station]_{6785-the dismal station}]_{6784-the only passenger who alighted at the dismal station} . [The train]_{1957-the train} swept on to the gayer scenes before [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} had time to collect [his]_{955-the barrister} senses , or to pick up the portmanteau which had been discovered with some difficulty amid [a black cavern of baggage only illuminated by one lantern]_{6788-a black cavern of baggage only illuminated by one lantern} . "_[2810-you] [I]_0-i wonder whether settlers in [the backwoods of [America]_101-america]_{2809-the backwoods of america} feel as solitary and strange as [I]_0-i feel to - night ? " [he]_{955-the barrister} thought , as [he]_{955-the barrister} stared hopelessly about [him]_{955-the barrister} in the darkness . [He]_{955-the barrister} called to [one of [the officials]_{6790-the officials}]_{6789-one of the officials} , and pointed to [[his]_0-i portmanteau]_{6791-his portmanteau} . "_[2810-you] Will [you]_2810-you carry that to [the nearest hotel]_{2811-the nearest hotel} for [me]_0-i ? " [he]_0-i asked—"that_[2810-you] is to say , if [I]_0-i can get a good bed [there]_374-there . " [The man]_{634-the man} laughed as [he]_{634-the man} shouldered the portmanteau . "_[2810-you] [You]_2810-you can get thirty beds , [I]_0-i dare say , [sir]_900-sir , if [you]_2810-you wanted 'em , " [he]_0-i said . "_[2810-you] [We]_2814-we ai n't over busy at [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} at this time o ' year . This way , [sir]_900-sir . " [The porter]_{1950-the porter} opened a wooden door in the station wall , and [Robert Audley]_173-robert found [himself]_173-robert upon a wide bowling - green of smooth grass , which surrounded [a huge , square building]_{6794-a huge , square building} , that loomed darkly on [him]_173-robert through the winter 's night , [its]_{6794-a huge , square building} black solidity only relieved by two lighted windows , far apart from each other , and glimmering redly like beacons on the darkness . "_[900-sir] This is [the Victoria Hotel]_{2816-the victoria hotel} , [sir]_900-sir , " said [the porter]_{1950-the porter} . "_[900-sir] [You]_900-sir would n't believe the crowds of company [we]_2814-we have down here in the summer . " In the face of the bare grass - plat , the tenantless wooden alcoves , and the dark windows of [the hotel]_{4975-the hotel} , it was indeed rather difficult to imagine that [the place]_{385-the place} was ever gay with [merry people taking pleasure in the bright summer weather]_{6798-merry people taking pleasure in the bright summer weather} ; but [Robert Audley]_173-robert declared [himself]_173-robert willing to believe anything [the porter]_{1950-the porter} pleased to tell [him]_173-robert , and followed [[his]_173-robert guide]_{6800-his guide} meekly to a little door at the side of [the big hotel]_{6801-the big hotel} , which led into [a comfortable bar , where [the humbler classes of [summer visitors]_{6804-summer visitors}]_{6803-the humbler classes of summer visitors} were accommodated with such refreshments as [they]_{6803-the humbler classes of summer visitors} pleased to pay for , without running the gantlet of [the prim , white - waistcoated waiters on guard at the principal entrance]_{6805-the prim , white - waistcoated waiters on guard at the principal entrance}]_{6802-a comfortable bar , where the humbler classes of summer visitors were accommodated with such refreshments as they pleased to pay for , without running the gantlet of the prim , white - waistcoated waiters on guard at the principal entrance} . But there were [very few attendants retained at [the hotel]_{4975-the hotel}]_{6806-very few attendants retained at the hotel} in the bleak February season , and it was [the landlord [himself]_{6808-the landlord himself who ushered robert into a dreary wilderness of polished mahogany tables and horsehair cushioned chairs , which he called the coffee - room} who ushered [Robert]_173-robert into a dreary wilderness of polished mahogany tables and horsehair cushioned chairs , which [he]_{6808-the landlord himself who ushered robert into a dreary wilderness of polished mahogany tables and horsehair cushioned chairs , which he called the coffee - room} called [the coffee - room]_{6809-the coffee - room}]_{6808-the landlord himself who ushered robert into a dreary wilderness of polished mahogany tables and horsehair cushioned chairs , which he called the coffee - room} . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert seated [himself]_173-robert close to the wide steel fender , and stretched [his]_173-robert cramped legs upon the hearth - rug , while [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} drove the poker into the vast pile of coal , and sent a ruddy blaze roaring upward through the chimney . "_[900-sir] If [you]_2818-you would prefer [a private room]_{2819-a private room} , [sir]_900-sir — " [the man]_{634-the man} began . "_[900-sir] No , thank [you]_2818-you , " said [Robert]_173-robert , indifferently ; "_[2818-you] [this room]_{5247-this room} seems quite private enough just now . If [you]_2818-you will order [me]_0-i a mutton chop and a pint of sherry , [I]_0-i shall be obliged . " "_[900-sir] Certainly , [sir]_900-sir . " "_[900-sir] And [I]_0-i shall be still more obliged if [you]_2818-you will favor [me]_0-i with a few minutes ' conversation before [you]_2818-you do so . " "_[900-sir] With very great pleasure , [sir]_900-sir , " [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} answered , good - naturedly . "_[900-sir] [We]_2824-we see so very little company at this season of the year , that [we]_2824-we are only too glad to oblige [those gentlemen who do visit [us]_2824-we]_{2825-those gentlemen who do visit us} . Any information which [I]_0-i can afford [you]_900-sir respecting [the neighborhood of [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea}]_{2826-the neighborhood of wildernsea} and [its]_{2826-the neighborhood of wildernsea} attractions , " added [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} , unconsciously quoting a small hand - book of the watering - place which [he]_{5144-the landlord} sold in [the bar]_{4928-the bar} , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i shall be most happy to — " "_[0-i] But [I]_0-i do n't want to know anything about [the neighborhood of [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea}]_{2826-the neighborhood of wildernsea} , " interrupted [Robert]_173-robert , with a feeble protest against [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} 's volubility . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i want to ask [you]_0-i a few questions about [some people who once lived here]_{2828-some people who once lived here} . " [The landlord]_{5144-the landlord} bowed and smiled , with an air which implied [his]_{5144-the landlord} readiness to recite the biographies of [all the inhabitants of [the little seaport]_{6818-the little seaport}]_{6817-all the inhabitants of the little seaport} , if required by [Mr. Audley]_173-robert to do so . "_{[2828-some people who once lived here]} How many years have [you]_0-i lived [here]_4776-here ? " [Robert]_173-robert asked , taking [his]_173-robert memorandum book from [his]_173-robert pocket . "_[0-i] Will it annoy [you]_0-i if [I]_0-i make notes of [your]_0-i replies to [my]_0-i questions ? " "_[900-sir] Not at all , [sir]_900-sir , " replied [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} , with a pompous enjoyment of the air of solemnity and importance which pervaded this business . "_[900-sir] Any information which [I]_0-i can afford that is likely to be of ultimate value — " "_[0-i] Yes , thank [you]_0-i , " [Robert]_173-robert murmured , interrupting the flow of words . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i have lived [here]_4776-here — " "_[0-i] Six years , [sir]_900-sir . " "_[0-i] Since the year fifty - three ? " "_[0-i] Since November , in the year fifty - two , [sir]_900-sir . [I]_0-i was in business at [Hull]_99-hull prior to that time . [This house]_{6101-this house} was only completed in the October before [I]_0-i entered [it]_{6101-this house} . " "_[0-i] Do [you]_900-sir remember [a lieutenant in the navy]_{2835-a lieutenant in the navy} , on half - pay , [I]_0-i believe , at that time , called [Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} ? " "_{[2835-a lieutenant in the navy]} [Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} , [sir]_900-sir ? " "_{[183-captain maldon]} Yes , commonly called [Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} . [I]_0-i see [you]_900-sir do remember [him]_{183-captain maldon} . " "_[900-sir] Yes , [sir]_900-sir . [Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} was [one of [[our]_2839-our best customers]_{2840-our best customers}]_{2838-one of our best customers} . [He]_{183-captain maldon} used to spend [his]_{183-captain maldon} evenings in [this very room]_{5337-this very room} , though the walls were damp at that time , and [we]_2839-our were n't able to paper [the place]_{385-the place} for nearly a twelvemonth afterward . [[His]_{183-captain maldon} daughter]_{556-his daughter} married [a young officer that came here with [[his]_{183-captain maldon} regiment]_{2845-his regiment} , at Christmas time in fifty - two]_{2844-a young officer that came here with his regiment , at christmas time in fifty - two} . [They]_2846-they were married here , [sir]_900-sir , and [they]_2846-they traveled on [the Continent]_{103-the continent} for six months , and came back here again . But [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} ran away to [Australia]_11-australia , and left [the lady]_{673-the lady} , a week or two after [[her]_{673-the lady} baby]_{4687-her baby} was born . The business made quite a sensation in [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} , [sir]_900-sir , and [Mrs.—Mrs.—I]_{286-mrs.—mrs.—i} forgot the name — " "_{[181-george talboys]} [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , " suggested [Robert]_173-robert . "_{[181-george talboys]} To be sure , [sir]_900-sir , [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} was very much pitied by [the Wildernsea folks]_{2853-the wildernsea folks} , [sir]_900-sir , [I]_0-i was going to say , for [she]_{181-george talboys} was very pretty , and had such nice winning ways that [she]_{181-george talboys} was a favorite with [everybody who knew [her]_{181-george talboys}]_{2855-everybody who knew her} . " "_{[181-george talboys]} Can [you]_900-sir tell [me]_0-i how long [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} and [[his]_{182-mr. maldon} daughter]_{556-his daughter} remained at [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} after [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} left [them]_2857-them ? " [Robert]_173-robert asked . "_[900-sir] Well — no , [sir]_900-sir , " answered [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} , after a few moments ' deliberation . "_[900-sir] [I]_0-i ca n't say exactly how long it was . [I]_0-i know [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} used to sit [here]_4776-here in [this very parlor]_{2860-this very parlor} , and tell [people]_572-people how badly [[his]_{182-mr. maldon} daughter]_{556-his daughter} had been treated , and how [he]_{182-mr. maldon} 'd been deceived by [a young man [he]_{182-mr. maldon} 'd put so much confidence in]_{2863-a young man he 'd put so much confidence in} ; but [I]_0-i ca n't say how long it was before [he]_{182-mr. maldon} left [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} . But [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} could tell [you]_900-sir , [sir]_900-sir , " added [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} , briskly . "_{[287-mrs. barkamb]} [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} . " "_{[287-mrs. barkamb]} Yes , [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} is [the person who owns [No . 17 North Cottages]_{2866-no . 17 north cottages}]_{2865-the person who owns no . 17 north cottages} , [the house in which [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} and [[his]_{182-mr. maldon} daughter]_{556-his daughter} lived]_{2867-the house in which mr. maldon and his daughter lived} . [She]_{287-mrs. barkamb} 's [a nice , civil spoken , motherly woman]_{2869-a nice , civil spoken , motherly woman} , [sir]_900-sir , and [I]_0-i 'm sure [she]_{287-mrs. barkamb} 'll tell [you]_900-sir anything [you]_900-sir may want to know . " "_{[287-mrs. barkamb]} Thank [you]_0-i , [I]_0-i will call upon [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} to - morrow . Stay — one more question . Should [you]_900-sir recognize [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} if [you]_900-sir were to see [her]_{181-george talboys} ? " "_[900-sir] Certainly , [sir]_900-sir . As sure as [I]_0-i should recognize [one of [[my]_0-i own daughters]_{2873-my own daughters}]_{2872-one of my own daughters} . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert wrote [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} 's address in [his]_173-robert pocket - book , ate [his]_173-robert solitary dinner , drank a couple of glasses of sherry , smoked a cigar , and then retired to [the apartment in which a fire had been lighted for [his]_173-robert comfort]_{6822-the apartment in which a fire had been lighted for his comfort} . [He]_173-robert soon fell asleep , worn out with the fatigue of hurrying from place to place during the last two days ; but [his]_173-robert slumber was not a heavy one , and [he]_173-robert heard the disconsolate moaning of the wind upon [the sandy wastes]_{6823-the sandy wastes} , and the long waves rolling in monotonously upon [the flat shore]_{6824-the flat shore} . Mingling with these dismal sounds , the melancholy thoughts engendered by [his]_173-robert joyless journey repeated themselves in never - varying succession in the chaos of [his]_173-robert slumbering brain , and made themselves into visions of things that never had been and never could be upon [this earth]_{1644-this earth} , but which had some vague relation to real events remembered by [the sleeper]_{6535-the sleeper} . In those troublesome dreams [he]_173-robert saw [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} , rooted up from amidst [the green pastures]_{6827-the green pastures} and [the shady hedgerows of [Essex]_2-essex]_{6828-the shady hedgerows of essex} , standing bare and unprotected upon [that desolate northern shore]_{6829-that desolate northern shore} , threatened by the rapid rising of [a boisterous sea]_{6830-a boisterous sea} , whose waves seemed gathering upward to descend and crush [the house [he]_173-robert loved]_{6831-the house he loved} . As the hurrying waves rolled nearer and nearer to [the stately mansion]_{1795-the stately mansion} , [the sleeper]_{6535-the sleeper} saw a pale , starry face looking out of the silvery foam , and knew that it was [[my]_{2872-one of my own daughters} lady]_{468-my lady} , transformed into a mermaid , beckoning [[his]_{2872-one of my own daughters} uncle]_{4872-his uncle} to destruction . Beyond that rising sea great masses of cloud , blacker than the blackest ink , more dense than the darkest night , lowered upon [the dreamer]_{6836-the dreamer} 's eye ; but as [he]_173-robert looked at the dismal horizon the storm - clouds slowly parted , and from a narrow rent in the darkness a ray of light streamed out upon the hideous waves , which slowly , very slowly , receded , leaving [the old mansion]_{6837-the old mansion} safe and firmly rooted on [the shore]_{6838-the shore} . [Robert]_173-robert awoke with the memory of this dream in [his]_173-robert mind , and a sensation of physical relief , as if some heavy weight , which had oppressed [him]_173-robert all the night , had been lifted from [his]_173-robert breast . [He]_173-robert fell asleep again , and did not awake until the broad winter sunlight shone upon the window - blind , and the shrill voice of [the chambermaid at]_{6839-the chambermaid at} [his]_173-robert door announced that it was half - past eight o'clock . At a quarter - before ten [he]_173-robert had left [Victoria Hotel]_{104-victoria hotel} , and was making [his]_173-robert way along [the lonely platform]_{6840-the lonely platform} in front of [a row of shadowless houses that faced [the sea]_{661-the sea}]_{6841-a row of shadowless houses that faced the sea} . [This row of hard , uncompromising , square - built habitations]_{6843-this row of hard , uncompromising , square - built habitations} stretched away to [the little harbor]_{6844-the little harbor} , in which two or three [merchant vessels]_{6845-merchant vessels} and [a couple of [colliers]_{6847-colliers}]_{6846-a couple of colliers} were anchored . Beyond [the harbor]_{6848-the harbor} there loomed , gray and cold upon the wintry horizon , [a dismal barrack]_{6849-a dismal barrack} , parted from [the Wildernsea houses]_{6850-the wildernsea houses} by [a narrow creek]_{6851-a narrow creek} , spanned by [an iron drawbridge]_{6852-an iron drawbridge} . The scarlet coat of [the sentinel who walked backward and forward between two cannons , placed at remote angles before the barrack wall]_{6853-the sentinel who walked backward and forward between two cannons , placed at remote angles before the barrack wall} , was the only scrap of color that relieved the neutral - tinted picture of [the gray stone houses]_{6854-the gray stone houses} and [the leaden sea]_{6855-the leaden sea} . On one side of [the harbor]_{6848-the harbor} [a long stone pier]_{6857-a long stone pier} stretched out far away into the cruel loneliness of [the sea]_{661-the sea} , as if built for the especial accommodation of [some modern Timon]_{6859-some modern timon} , too misanthropical to be satisfied even with the solitude of [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} , and anxious to get still further away from [his]_{6859-some modern timon} fellow - creatures . It was on [that pier]_{6860-that pier} [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} had first met [[his]_{6859-some modern timon} wife]_{554-his wife} , under the blazing glory of a midsummer sky , and to the music of [a braying band]_{6862-a braying band} . It was there that [the young cornet]_{6863-the young cornet} had first yielded to that sweet delusion , that fatal infatuation which had exercised so dark an influence upon [his]_{6859-some modern timon} after - life . [Robert]_173-robert looked savagely at this solitary watering - place — [the shabby seaport]_{6864-the shabby seaport} . "_{[2872-one of my own daughters]} It is such a place as this , " [he]_173-robert thought , "_{[2872-one of my own daughters]} that works [a strong man]_{2874-a strong man} 's ruin . [He]_{2874-a strong man} comes [here]_4776-here , heart whole and happy , with no better experience of [women]_4642-women than is to be learned at a flower - show or in [a ball - room]_{2877-a ball - room} ; with no more familiar knowledge of the creature than [he]_{2874-a strong man} has of [the far - away satellites]_{2878-the far - away satellites} or [the remoter planets]_{2879-the remoter planets} ; with a vague notion that [she]_2880-she is a whirling teetotum in pink or blue gauze , or a graceful automaton for the display of [milliners]_{2881-milliners} ' manufacture . [He]_{2874-a strong man} comes to [some place of this kind]_{2882-some place of this kind} , and [the universe]_{6422-the universe} is suddenly narrowed into about [half a dozen acres]_{2884-half a dozen acres} ; the mighty scheme of creation is crushed into a bandbox . The far - away creatures whom [he]_{2874-a strong man} had seen floating about [him]_{2874-a strong man} , beautiful and indistinct , are brought under [his]_{2874-a strong man} very nose ; and before [he]_{2874-a strong man} has time to recover [his]_{2874-a strong man} bewilderment , [hey presto]_{2885-hey presto} , the witchcraft has begun ; the magic circle is drawn around [him]_{2874-a strong man} ! the spells are at work , the whole formula of sorcery is in full play , and [the victim]_{2886-the victim} is as powerless to escape as [the marble - legged prince in the Eastern story]_{2887-the marble - legged prince in the eastern story} . " Ruminating in this wise , [Robert Audley]_173-robert reached [the house to which [he]_173-robert had been directed]_{6865-the house to which he had been directed} as [the residence of [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb}]_{6866-the residence of mrs. barkamb} . [He]_173-robert was admitted immediately by [a prim , elderly servant]_{6867-a prim , elderly servant} , who ushered [him]_173-robert into [a sitting - room]_{6868-a sitting - room} as prim and elderly - looking as [herself]_{287-mrs. barkamb} . [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} , [a comfortable matron of about sixty years of age]_{6869-a comfortable matron of about sixty years of age} , was sitting in an arm - chair before a bright handful of fire in the shining grate . [An elderly terrier , whose black - and - tan coat was thickly sprinkled with gray , reposed in [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} 's lap]_{6870-an elderly terrier , whose black - and - tan coat was thickly sprinkled with gray , reposed in mrs. barkamb 's lap} . Every object in [the quiet sitting - room]_{6871-the quiet sitting - room} had an elderly aspect of simple comfort and precision , which is the evidence of outward repose . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i should like to live [here]_4776-here , " [Robert]_173-robert thought , "_[0-i] and watch [the gray sea]_{2889-the gray sea} slowly rolling over the gray sand under the still , gray sky . [I]_0-i should like to live [here]_4776-here , and tell the beads upon [my]_0-i rosary , and repent and rest . " [He]_0-i seated [himself]_0-i in the arm - chair opposite [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} , at [that lady]_{499-that lady} 's invitation , and placed [his]_0-i hat upon the ground . [The elderly terrier]_{6873-the elderly terrier} descended from [[his]_{6873-the elderly terrier} mistress]_{1489-his mistress} ' lap to bark at and otherwise take objection to this hat . "_[2891-you] [You]_2891-you were wishing , [I]_0-i suppose , [sir]_900-sir , to take one — be quiet , [Dash]_288-dash — [one of [the cottages]_{2894-the cottages}]_{2893-one of the cottages} , " suggested [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} , whose mind ran in one narrow groove , and whose life during the last twenty years had been an unvarying round of [house]_6875-house - letting . [Robert Audley]_173-robert explained the purpose of [his]_173-robert visit . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i come to ask one simple question , " [he]_0-i said , in conclusion , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i wish to discover the exact date of [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} ' departure from [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} . [The proprietor of [the Victoria Hotel]_{2816-the victoria hotel}]_{2895-the proprietor of the victoria hotel} informed [me]_0-i that [you]_2891-you were the most likely person to afford [me]_0-i that information . " [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} deliberated for some moments . "_[2891-you] [I]_0-i can give [you]_900-sir the date of [Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} 's departure , " [she]_{287-mrs. barkamb} said , "_[0-i] for [he]_{183-captain maldon} left No . 17 considerably in [my]_0-i debt , and [I]_0-i have the whole business in black and white ; but with regard to [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} — " [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} paused for a few moments before resuming . "_{[181-george talboys]} [You]_900-sir are aware that [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} left rather abruptly ? " [she]_{287-mrs. barkamb} asked . "_{[181-george talboys]} [I]_0-i was not aware of that fact . " "_[0-i] Indeed ! Yes , [she]_{181-george talboys} left abruptly , [poor little woman]_{2897-poor little woman} ! [She]_{181-george talboys} tried to support [herself]_{181-george talboys} after [[her]_{181-george talboys} husband]_{469-her husband} 's desertion by giving music lessons ; [she]_{181-george talboys} was [a very brilliant pianist]_{2899-a very brilliant pianist} , and succeeded pretty well , [I]_0-i believe . But [I]_0-i suppose [[her]_{181-george talboys} father]_{481-her father} took [her]_{181-george talboys} money from [her]_{181-george talboys} , and spent it in [public houses]_{2901-public houses} . However that might be , [they]_2902-they had a very serious misunderstanding one night ; and the next morning [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} left [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} , leaving [[her]_{181-george talboys} little boy , who was out at nurse in [the neighborhood]_{504-the neighborhood}]_{2903-her little boy , who was out at nurse in the neighborhood} . " "_{[2903-her little boy , who was out at nurse in the neighborhood]} But [you]_0-i can not tell [me]_0-i the date of [her]_{181-george talboys} leaving ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'm afraid not , " answered [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} ; "_[0-i] and yet , stay . [Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} wrote to [me]_0-i upon the day [[his]_{183-captain maldon} daughter]_{556-his daughter} left . [He]_{183-captain maldon} was in very great distress , [poor old gentleman]_{2906-poor old gentleman} , and [he]_{183-captain maldon} always came to [me]_0-i in [his]_{183-captain maldon} troubles . If [I]_0-i could find that letter , it might be dated , [you]_0-i know — mightn't it , now ? " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert said that it was only probable the letter was dated . [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} retired to a table in the window on which stood an old - fashioned mahogany desk , lined with green baize , and suffering from a plethora of documents , which oozed out of it in every direction . Letters , receipts , bills , inventories and tax - papers were mingled in hopeless confusion ; and among these [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} set to work to search for [Captain Maldon]_{183-captain maldon} 's letter . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert waited very patiently , watching the gray clouds sailing across the gray sky , [the gray vessels]_{6876-the gray vessels} gliding past upon [the gray sea]_{2889-the gray sea} . After about ten minutes ' search , and a great deal of rustling , crackling , folding and unfolding of the papers , [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} uttered an exclamation of triumph . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 've got the letter , " [she]_{287-mrs. barkamb} said ; "_[0-i] and there 's a note inside it from [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's pale face flushed a vivid crimson as [he]_173-robert stretched out [his]_173-robert hand to receive the papers . "_{[181-george talboys]} [The persons who stole [Helen Maldon]_{238-helen maldon} 's love - letters from [[George]_{181-george talboys} 's trunk]_{2063-george 's trunk} in [[my]_0-i chambers]_{860-my chambers}]_{2907-the persons who stole helen maldon 's love - letters from george 's trunk in my chambers} might have saved [themselves]_{2907-the persons who stole helen maldon 's love - letters from george 's trunk in my chambers} the trouble , " [he]_173-robert thought . The letter from [the old lieutenant]_{6878-the old lieutenant} was not long , but almost every other word was underscored . "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i generous friend]_{2910-my generous friend} , " [the writer]_{2032-the writer} began — [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} had tried [the lady]_{673-the lady} 's generosity pretty severely during [his]_{182-mr. maldon} residence in [[her]_{673-the lady} house]_{2734-her house} , rarely paying [his]_{182-mr. maldon} rent until threatened with the intruding presence of [the broker]_{2112-the broker} 's man—"I_[0-i] am in the depths of despair . [[My]_0-i daughter]_{6288-my daughter} has left [me]_0-i ! [You]_2912-you may imagine [my]_0-i feelings ! [We]_2913-we had a few words last night upon the subject of money matters , which subject has always been a disagreeable one between [us]_2913-we , and on rising this morning [I]_0-i found [I]_0-i was deserted ! The enclosed from [Helen]_{238-helen maldon} was waiting for [me]_0-i on the parlor table . " [Yours]_2912-you in distraction and despair , "_{[238-helen maldon]} [HENRY MALDON]_{289-henry maldon} . " [NORTH COTTAGES]_{105-north cottages} , August 16th , 1854 . "_{[238-helen maldon]} The note from [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} was still more brief . It began abruptly thus : " [I]_{181-george talboys} am weary of [my]_{181-george talboys} life here , and wish , if [I]_{181-george talboys} can , to find a new one . [I]_{181-george talboys} go out into [the world]_{519-the world} , dissevered from every link which binds [me]_{181-george talboys} to the hateful past , to seek another home and another fortune . Forgive [me]_{181-george talboys} if [I]_{181-george talboys} have been fretful , capricious , changeable . [You]_2912-you should forgive [me]_{181-george talboys} , for [you]_2912-you know why [I]_{181-george talboys} have been so . [You]_2912-you know the secret which is the key to [my]_{181-george talboys} life . "_{[181-george talboys]} [HELEN TALBOYS]_{179-helen talboys} . " These lines were written in a hand that [Robert Audley]_173-robert knew only too well . [He]_173-robert sat for a long time pondering silently over the letter written by [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} . What was the meaning of those two last sentences—"You_{[181-george talboys]} should forgive [me]_0-i , for [you]_2914-you know why [I]_0-i have been so . [You]_2914-you know the secret which is the key to [my]_0-i life ? " [He]_173-robert wearied [his]_173-robert brain in endeavoring to find a clew to the signification of these two sentences . [He]_173-robert could remember nothing , nor could [he]_173-robert imagine anything that would throw a light upon their meaning . The date of [Helen]_{179-helen talboys} 's departure , according to [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} 's letter , was the 16th of August , 1854 . [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} had declared that [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} entered [the school]_{6884-the school} at [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas} upon the 17th or 18th of August in the same year . Between the departure of [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} from [the Yorkshire watering - place]_{6885-the yorkshire watering - place} and the arrival of [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} at [the Brompton school]_{6886-the brompton school} , not more than eight - and - forty hours could have elapsed . This made a very small link in the chain of circumstantial evidence , perhaps ; but it was a link , nevertheless , and it fitted neatly into its place . "_[2914-you] Did [Mr. Maldon]_{182-mr. maldon} hear from [[his]_{182-mr. maldon} daughter]_{556-his daughter} after [she]_{556-his daughter} had left [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} ? " [Robert]_173-robert asked . "_{[182-mr. maldon]} Well , [I]_0-i believe [he]_{182-mr. maldon} did hear from [her]_{556-his daughter} , " [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} answered ; "_{[182-mr. maldon]} but [I]_0-i did n't see much of [the old gentleman]_{2916-the old gentleman} after that August . [I]_0-i was obliged to sell [him]_{182-mr. maldon} up in November , [poor fellow]_{2917-poor fellow} , for [he]_{182-mr. maldon} owed [me]_0-i fifteen months ' rent ; and it was only by selling [his]_{182-mr. maldon} poor little bits of furniture that [I]_0-i could get [him]_{182-mr. maldon} out of [[my]_0-i place]_{2918-my place} . [We]_2919-we parted [very good friends]_{2920-very good friends} , in spite of [my]_0-i sending in [the brokers]_{2921-the brokers} ; and [the old gentleman]_{2916-the old gentleman} went to [London]_3-london with [the child]_{5037-the child} , who was scarcely [a twelvemonth old]_{2924-a twelvemonth old} . " [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} had nothing more to tell , and [Robert]_173-robert had no further questions to ask . [He]_173-robert requested permission to retain the two letters written by [the lieutenant]_{2137-the lieutenant} and [[his]_173-robert daughter]_{556-his daughter} , and left [the house]_{388-the house} with them in [his]_173-robert pocket - book . [He]_173-robert walked straight back to [the hotel]_{4975-the hotel} , where [he]_173-robert called for a time - table . [An express for [London]_3-london]_{6891-an express for london} left [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} at a quarter past one . [Robert]_173-robert sent [his]_173-robert portmanteau to [the station]_{1271-the station} , paid [his]_173-robert bill , and walked up and down the stone terrace fronting [the sea]_{661-the sea} , waiting for the starting of [the train]_{1957-the train} . "_{[2916-the old gentleman]} [I]_0-i have traced the histories of [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} and [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} to a vanishing point , " [he]_0-i thought ; "_[0-i] [my]_0-i next business is to discover the history of [the woman who lies buried in [Ventnor churchyard]_26-ventnor]_{2925-the woman who lies buried in ventnor churchyard} . " Upon [his]_173-robert return from [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert found a letter from [[his]_173-robert Cousin]_{786-his cousin} [Alicia]_149-alicia , awaiting [him]_173-robert at [[his]_173-robert chambers]_{4865-his chambers} . "_{[2925-the woman who lies buried in ventnor churchyard]} [Papa]_188-papa is much better , " [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} wrote , "_[188-papa] and is very anxious to have [you]_0-i at [the Court]_{373-the court} . For some inexplicable reason , [[my]_0-i stepmother]_{2927-my stepmother} has taken it into [her]_{2927-my stepmother} head that [your]_0-i presence is extremely desirable , and worries [me]_0-i with [her]_{2927-my stepmother} frivolous questions about [your]_0-i movements . So pray come without delay , and set [these people]_{2771-these people} at rest . [[Your]_0-i affectionate cousin]_{5077-your affectionate cousin} , A.A. " "_{[5077-your affectionate cousin]} So [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} is anxious to know [my]_0-i movements , " thought [Robert Audley]_173-robert , as [he]_0-i sat brooding and smoking by [[his]_0-i lonely fireside]_{2049-his lonely fireside} . "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} is anxious ; and [she]_{468-my lady} questions [[her]_{468-my lady} step - daughter]_{5225-her step - daughter} in that pretty , childlike manner which has such a bewitching air of innocent frivolity . [Poor little creature]_{2932-poor little creature} ; [poor unhappy little golden - haired sinner]_{2933-poor unhappy little golden - haired sinner} ; the battle between [us]_2934-us seems terribly unfair . Why does n't [she]_{468-my lady} run away while there is still time ? [I]_0-i have given [her]_{468-my lady} fair warning , [I]_0-i have shown [her]_{468-my lady} [my]_0-i cards , and worked openly enough in this business , Heaven knows . Why does n't [she]_{468-my lady} run away ? " [He]_0-i repeated this question again and again as [he]_0-i filled and emptied [his]_0-i meerschaum , surrounding [himself]_0-i with the blue vapor from [his]_0-i pipe until [he]_0-i looked like [some modern magician seated in [[his]_0-i laboratory]_{6900-his laboratory}]_{6899-some modern magician seated in his laboratory} . "_{[468-my lady]} Why does n't [she]_{468-my lady} run away ? [I]_0-i would bring no needless shame upon [that house]_{6322-that house} , of [all other houses upon [this wide earth]_{2937-this wide earth}]_{2936-all other houses upon this wide earth} . [I]_0-i would only do [my]_0-i duty to [[my]_0-i missing friend]_{6020-my missing friend} , and to [that brave and generous man who has pledged [his]_{2939-that brave and generous man who has pledged his faith to a worthless woman} faith to [a worthless woman]_{2940-a worthless woman}]_{2939-that brave and generous man who has pledged his faith to a worthless woman} . [Heaven]_201-heaven knows [I]_0-i have no wish to punish . Heaven knows [I]_0-i was never born to be [the avenger of guilt]_{2941-the avenger of guilt} or [the persecutor of the guilty]_{2942-the persecutor of the guilty} . [I]_0-i only wish to do [my]_0-i duty . [I]_0-i will give [her]_{468-my lady} one more warning , a full and fair one , and then — " [His]_0-i thoughts wandered away to that gloomy prospect in which [he]_0-i saw no gleam of brightness to relieve the dull , black obscurity that encompassed the future , shutting in [his]_0-i pathway on every side , and spreading a dense curtain around and about [him]_0-i , which [Hope]_290-hope was powerless to penetrate . [He]_0-i was forever haunted by the vision of [[his]_0-i uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's anguish , forever tortured by the thought of that ruin and desolation which , being brought about by [his]_0-i instrumentality , would seem in a manner [his]_0-i handiwork . But amid all , and through all , [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , with an imperious gesture , beckoned [him]_0-i onward to [[her]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6760-her brother} 's unknown grave . "_[0-i] Shall [I]_0-i go down to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} , " [he]_0-i thought , "_[0-i] and endeavor to discover the history of [the woman who died at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor]_{2943-the woman who died at ventnor} ? Shall [I]_0-i work underground , bribing [the paltry assistants]_{2944-the paltry assistants} in that foul conspiracy , until [I]_0-i find [my]_0-i way to [the thrice guilty principal]_{2945-the thrice guilty principal} ? No ! not till [I]_0-i have tried other means of discovering the truth . Shall [I]_0-i go to [that miserable old man]_{2946-that miserable old man} , and charge [him]_{2946-that miserable old man} with [his]_{2946-that miserable old man} share in the shameful trick which [I]_0-i believe to have been played upon [[my]_0-i poor friend]_{6106-my poor friend} ? No ; [I]_0-i will not torture [that terror - stricken wretch as [I]_0-i tortured [him]_{2946-that miserable old man} a few weeks ago]_{2948-that terror - stricken wretch as i tortured him a few weeks ago} . [I]_0-i will go straight to [that arch - conspirator]_{2949-that arch - conspirator} , and will tear away the beautiful veil under which [she]_{2949-that arch - conspirator} hides [her]_{2949-that arch - conspirator} wickedness , and will wring from [her]_{2949-that arch - conspirator} the secret of [[my]_0-i friend]_{836-my friend} 's fate , and banish [her]_{2949-that arch - conspirator} forever from [the house which [her]_{2949-that arch - conspirator} presence has polluted]_{2951-the house which her presence has polluted} . " [He]_0-i started early the next morning for [Essex]_2-essex , and reached [Audley]_{150-lady audley} before eleven o'clock . Early as it was , [[my]_2952-her lady]_{468-my lady} was out . [She]_{468-my lady} had driven to [Chelmsford]_{38-chelmsford} upon a shopping expedition with [[her]_{468-my lady} step - daughter]_{5225-her step - daughter} . [She]_{468-my lady} had several calls to make in [the neighborhood of [the town]_{2092-the town}]_{6905-the neighborhood of the town} , and was not likely to return until dinner - time . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's health was very much improved , and [he]_0-i would come down stairs in the afternoon . Would [Mr. Audley]_173-robert go to [[[his]_0-i uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's room]_{6496-his uncle 's room} ? No ; [Robert]_173-robert had no wish to meet [that generous kinsman]_{6909-that generous kinsman} . What could [he]_173-robert say to [him]_{6909-that generous kinsman} ? How could [he]_173-robert smooth the way to the trouble that was to come?—how soften the cruel blow of the great grief that was preparing for that noble and trusting heart ? "_[2952-her] If [I]_0-i could forgive [her]_2952-her the wrong done to [[my]_0-i friend]_{836-my friend} , " [Robert]_173-robert thought , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i should still abhor [her]_2952-her for the misery [her]_2952-her guilt must bring upon [the man who has believed in [her]_2952-her]_{2954-the man who has believed in her} . " [He]_173-robert told [[[his]_0-i uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's servant]_{6911-his uncle 's servant} that [he]_173-robert would stroll into [the village]_{5107-the village} , and return before dinner . [He]_173-robert walked slowly away from [the Court]_{373-the court} , wandering across the meadows between [[[his]_0-i uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's house]_{1245-his uncle 's house} and [the village]_{5107-the village} , purposeless and indifferent , with the great trouble and perplexity of [his]_173-robert life stamped upon [his]_173-robert face and reflected in [his]_173-robert manner . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will go into [the churchyard]_{898-the churchyard} , " [he]_173-robert thought , "_[0-i] and stare at the tombstones . There is nothing [I]_0-i can do that will make [me]_0-i more gloomy than [I]_0-i am . " [He]_173-robert was in those very meadows through which [he]_173-robert had hurried from [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} to [the station]_{1271-the station} upon the September day in which [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} had disappeared . [He]_173-robert looked at the pathway by which [he]_173-robert had gone upon that day , and remembered [his]_173-robert unaccustomed hurry , and the vague feeling of terror which had taken possession of [him]_173-robert immediately upon losing sight of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} . "_[0-i] Why did that unaccountable terror seize upon [me]_0-i , " [he]_173-robert thought . "_{[2957-a monomania]} Why was it that [I]_0-i saw some strange mystery in [[my]_0-i friend]_{836-my friend} 's disappearance ? Was it a monition , or [a monomania]_{2957-a monomania} ? What if [I]_0-i am wrong after all ? What if this chain of evidence which [I]_0-i have constructed link by link , is woven out of [my]_0-i own folly ? What if this edifice of horror and suspicion is a mere collection of crotchets — the nervous fancies of [a hypochondriacal bachelor]_{2958-a hypochondriacal bachelor} ? [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} sees no meaning in the events out of which [I]_0-i have made [myself]_0-i a horrible mystery . [I]_0-i lay the separate links of the chain before [him]_{239-mr. talboys} , and [he]_{239-mr. talboys} can not recognize their fitness . [He]_{239-mr. talboys} is unable to put them together . Oh , [[my]_0-i God]_{5536-my god} , if it should be in [myself]_0-i all this time that the misery lies ; if — " [he]_0-i smiled bitterly , and shook [his]_0-i head . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have the handwriting in [my]_0-i pocket - book which is the evidence of the conspiracy , " [he]_0-i thought . "_[0-i] It remains for [me]_0-i to discover the darker half of [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's secret . " [He]_0-i avoided [the village]_{5107-the village} , still keeping to [the meadows]_{776-the meadows} . [The church]_{535-the church} lay a little way back from [the straggling High street]_{6922-the straggling high street} , and a rough wooden gate opened from [the churchyard]_{898-the churchyard} into [a broad meadow]_{6924-a broad meadow} , that was bordered by [a running stream]_{6925-a running stream} , and sloped down into [a grassy valley dotted by groups of cattle]_{6926-a grassy valley dotted by groups of cattle} . [Robert]_173-robert slowly ascended [the narrow hillside pathway leading up to the gate in [the churchyard]_{898-the churchyard}]_{6927-the narrow hillside pathway leading up to the gate in the churchyard} . The quiet dullness of [the lonely landscape]_{6929-the lonely landscape} harmonized with [his]_0-i own gloom . The solitary figure of [an old man hobbling toward a stile at the further end of]_{6930-an old man hobbling toward a stile at the further end of} [the wide meadow]_{6931-the wide meadow} was the only human creature visible upon the area over which [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} looked . The smoke slowly ascending from [the scattered houses in [the long High street]_{6934-the long high street}]_{6933-the scattered houses in the long high street} was the only evidence of human life . The slow progress of the hands of the old clock in [the church steeple]_{6935-the church steeple} was the only token by which [a traveler]_{6936-a traveler} could perceive that a sluggish course of rustic life had not come to a full stop in [the village of Audley]_{5372-the village of audley} . Yes , there was one other sign . As [Robert]_173-robert opened the gate of [the churchyard]_{898-the churchyard} , and strolled listessly into the little inclosure , [he]_173-robert became aware of the solemn music of an organ , audible through a half - open window in the steeple . [He]_173-robert stopped and listened to the slow harmonies of a dreamy melody that sounded like an extempore composition of [an accomplished player]_{6939-an accomplished player} . "_[0-i] Who would have believed that [Audley church]_{150-lady audley} could boast such an organ ? " thought [Robert]_173-robert . "_[0-i] When last [I]_0-i was [here]_4776-here , [the national schoolmaster]_{2962-the national schoolmaster} used to accompany [[his]_{2962-the national schoolmaster} children]_{6331-his children} by a primitive performance of common chords . [I]_0-i did n't think the old organ had such music in it . " [He]_173-robert lingered at the gate , not caring to break the lazy spell woven about [him]_173-robert by the monotonous melancholy of [the organist]_{6940-the organist} 's performance . The tones of the instrument , now swelling to their fullest power , now sinking to a low , whispering softness , floated toward [him]_173-robert upon the misty winter atmosphere , and had a soothing influence , that seemed to comfort [him]_173-robert in [his]_173-robert trouble . [He]_173-robert closed the gate softly , and crossed the little patch of gravel before the door of [the church]_{535-the church} . The door had been left ajar — by [the organist]_{6940-the organist} , perhaps . [Robert Audley]_173-robert pushed it open , and walked into [the square porch]_{6943-the square porch} , from which a flight of narrow stone steps wound upward to [the organ - loft]_{6944-the organ - loft} and [the belfry]_{6945-the belfry} . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert took off [his]_173-robert hat , and opened the door between [the porch]_{6946-the porch} and the body of [the church]_{535-the church} . [He]_173-robert stepped softly into [the holy edifice]_{6948-the holy edifice} , which had a damp , moldy smell upon week - days . [He]_173-robert walked down [the narrow aisle]_{6949-the narrow aisle} to the altar - rails , and from that point of observation took a survey of [the church]_{535-the church} . [The little gallery]_{6951-the little gallery} was exactly opposite to [him]_173-robert , but the scanty green curtains before the organ were closely drawn , and [he]_173-robert could not get a glimpse of [the player]_{6952-the player} . The music still rolled on . [The organist]_{6940-the organist} had wandered into a melody of [Mendelssohn]_{148-mendelssohn} 's , a strain whose dreamy sadness went straight to [Robert]_173-robert 's heart . [He]_173-robert loitered in [the nooks and corners of [the church]_{535-the church}]_{6954-the nooks and corners of the church} , examining the dilapidated memorials of [the well - nigh forgotten dead]_{6956-the well - nigh forgotten dead} , and listening to the music . "_[0-i] If [[my]_0-i poor friend]_{6106-my poor friend} , [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , had died in [my]_0-i arms , and [I]_0-i had buried [him]_{6106-my poor friend} in [this quiet church]_{2965-this quiet church} , in [one corner of the vaults over which [I]_0-i tread to - day]_{2966-one corner of the vaults over which i tread to - day} , how much anguish of mind , vacillation and torment [I]_0-i might have escaped , " thought [Robert Audley]_173-robert , as [he]_173-robert read the faded inscriptions upon tablets of discolored marble ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i should have known [his]_{6106-my poor friend} fate — [I]_0-i should have known [his]_{6106-my poor friend} fate ! Ah , how much there would have been in that . It is this miserable uncertainty , this horrible suspicion which has poisoned [my]_0-i very life . " [He]_0-i looked at [his]_0-i watch . "_{[6106-my poor friend]} Half - past one , " [he]_0-i muttered . "_{[6106-my poor friend]} [I]_0-i shall have to wait four or five dreary hours before [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} comes [home]_479-home from [her]_{468-my lady} morning calls — [her]_{468-my lady} pretty visits of ceremony or friendliness . Good Heaven ! what [an actress]_{2969-an actress} [this woman]_{557-this woman} is . What [an arch trickster]_{2971-an arch trickster} — what [an all - accomplished deceiver]_{2972-an all - accomplished deceiver} . But [she]_{468-my lady} shall play [her]_{468-my lady} pretty comedy no longer under [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's roof . [I]_0-i have diplomatized long enough . [She]_{468-my lady} has refused to accept an indirect warning . To - night [I]_0-i will speak plainly . " The music of the organ ceased , and [Robert]_173-robert heard the closing of the instrument . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll have a look at [this new organist]_{2974-this new organist} , " [he]_0-i thought , "_{[2974-this new organist]} who can afford to bury [his]_{2974-this new organist} talents at [Audley]_173-robert , and play [Mendelssohn]_{148-mendelssohn} 's finest fugues for a stipend of sixteen pounds a year . " [He]_0-i lingered in [the porch]_{6946-the porch} , waiting for [the organist]_{6940-the organist} to descend the awkward little stair - case . In the weary trouble of [his]_0-i mind , and with the prospect of getting through the five hours in the best way [he]_0-i could , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert was glad to cultivate any diversion of thought , however idle . [He]_0-i therefore freely indulged [his]_0-i curiosity about [the new organist]_{6959-the new organist} . [The first person who appeared upon the steep stone steps]_{6960-the first person who appeared upon the steep stone steps} was [a boy in corduroy trousers and a dark linen smock - frock , who shambled down the stairs with a good deal of unnecessary clatter of [his]_{6961-a boy in corduroy trousers and a dark linen smock - frock , who shambled down the stairs with a good deal of unnecessary clatter of his hobnailed shoes , and who was red in the face from the exertion of blowing the bellows of the old organ} hobnailed shoes , and who was red in the face from the exertion of blowing the bellows of the old organ]_{6961-a boy in corduroy trousers and a dark linen smock - frock , who shambled down the stairs with a good deal of unnecessary clatter of his hobnailed shoes , and who was red in the face from the exertion of blowing the bellows of the old organ} . Close behind [this boy]_{6206-this boy} came [a young lady]_{6963-a young lady} , very plainly dressed in a black silk gown and a large gray shawl , who started and turned pale at sight of [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . [This young lady]_{5251-this young lady} was [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} . Of [all people in [the world]_{519-the world}]_{6965-all people in the world} [she]_{5251-this young lady} was [the last whom [Robert]_173-robert either expected or wished to see]_{6967-the last whom robert either expected or wished to see} . [She]_{5251-this young lady} had told [him]_173-robert that [she]_{5251-this young lady} was going to pay a visit to [some friends who lived in [Essex]_2-essex]_{6968-some friends who lived in essex} ; but [the county]_{379-the county} is [a wide one]_{6970-a wide one} , and [the village of Audley]_{5372-the village of audley} one of [the most obscure and least frequented spots in [the whole of]_{6973-the whole of} [its]_{5372-the village of audley} extent]_{6972-the most obscure and least frequented spots in the whole of its extent} . That [the sister of [[his]_173-robert lost friend]_{2029-his lost friend}]_{6974-the sister of his lost friend} should be [here]_4776-here — here where [she]_{5251-this young lady} could watch [his]_173-robert every action , and from those actions deduce the secret workings of [his]_173-robert mind , tracing [his]_173-robert doubts [home]_479-home to [their]_6978-their object , made a complication of [his]_173-robert difficulties that [he]_173-robert could never have anticipated . It brought [him]_173-robert back to that consciousness of [his]_173-robert own helplessness , in which [he]_173-robert had exclaimed : "_{[2974-this new organist]} A hand that is stronger than [my]_0-i own is beckoning [me]_0-i onward on the dark road that leads to [[[my]_0-i lost friend]_{6095-my lost friend} 's unknown grave]_{6096-my lost friend 's unknown grave} . " [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} was the first to speak . "_[2977-you] [You]_2977-you are surprised to see [me]_0-i here , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [she]_{256-clara talboys} said . "_[173-robert] Very much surprised . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i told [you]_2977-you that [I]_0-i was coming to [Essex]_2-essex . [I]_0-i left [home]_479-home day before yesterday . [I]_0-i was leaving [home]_479-home when [I]_0-i received [your]_2977-you telegraphic message . [The friend with whom [I]_0-i am staying]_{2980-the friend with whom i am staying} is [Mrs. Martyn]_{291-mrs. martyn} , [the wife of [the new rector of [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning}]_{2982-the new rector of mount stanning}]_{2981-the wife of the new rector of mount stanning} . [I]_0-i came down this morning to see [the village]_{5107-the village} and [church]_2984-church , and as [Mrs. Martyn]_{291-mrs. martyn} had to pay a visit to [the school]_{6884-the school} with [the curate]_{2986-the curate} and [[his]_{2986-the curate} wife]_{554-his wife} , [I]_0-i stopped [here]_4776-here and amused [myself]_0-i by trying the old organ . [I]_0-i was not aware till [I]_0-i came here that there was [a village called Audley]_{2989-a village called audley} . [The place]_{385-the place} takes its name from [[your]_0-i family]_{2620-your family} , [I]_0-i suppose ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i believe so , " [Robert]_173-robert answered , wondering at [the lady]_{673-the lady} 's calmness , in contradistinction to [his]_173-robert own embarrassment . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have a vague recollection of hearing the story of [some ancestor who was called [Audley of Audley]_{2993-audley of audley} in the reign of [Edward the Fourth]_{292-edward the fourth}]_{2992-some ancestor who was called audley of audley in the reign of edward the fourth} . [The tomb inside the rails near the altar]_{2994-the tomb inside the rails near the altar} belongs to [one of [the knights of [Audley]_{150-lady audley}]_{2996-the knights of audley}]_{2995-one of the knights of audley} , but [I]_0-i have never taken the trouble to remember [his]_{2995-one of the knights of audley} achievements . Are [you]_0-i going to wait here for [[your]_0-i friends]_{2997-your friends} , [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} ? " "_{[2997-your friends]} Yes ; [they]_{2997-your friends} are to return here for [me]_0-i after [they]_{2997-your friends} have finished [their]_{2997-your friends} rounds . " "_{[2997-your friends]} And [you]_0-i go back to [Mount Stanning]_{222-mount stanning} with [them]_{2997-your friends} this afternoon ? " "_[0-i] Yes . " [Robert]_173-robert stood with [his]_173-robert hat in [his]_173-robert hand , looking absently out at the tombstones and the low wall of [the church yard]_{6980-the church yard} . [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} watched [his]_0-i pale face , haggard under the deepening shadow that had rested upon it so long . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i have been ill since [I]_0-i saw [you]_0-i last , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [she]_{256-clara talboys} said , in a low voice , that had the same melodious sadness as the notes of the old organ under [her]_{256-clara talboys} touch . "_[173-robert] No , [I]_0-i have not been ill ; [I]_0-i have been only harassed , wearied by a hundred doubts and perplexities . " [He]_0-i was thinking as [he]_0-i spoke to [her]_2998-her : "_[2998-her] How much does [she]_2998-her guess ? How much does [she]_2998-her suspect ? " [He]_0-i had told the story of [George]_{181-george talboys} 's disappearance and of [his]_0-i own suspicions , suppressing only the names of [those concerned in the mystery]_{6981-those concerned in the mystery} ; but what if [this girl]_{2487-this girl} should fathom this slender disguise , and discover for [herself]_2998-her that which [he]_0-i had chosen to withhold . [Her]_2998-her grave eyes were fixed upon [his]_0-i face , and [he]_0-i knew that [she]_2998-her was trying to read the innermost secrets of [his]_0-i mind . "_[2998-her] What am [I]_0-i in [her]_2998-her hands ? " [he]_0-i thought . "_[2998-her] What am [I]_0-i in the hands of [this woman]_{557-this woman} , who has [[my]_0-i lost friend]_{6095-my lost friend} 's face and the manner of [Pallas Athene]_{293-pallas athene} . [She]_2998-her reads [my]_0-i pitiful , vacillating soul , and plucks the thoughts out of [my]_0-i heart with the magic of [her]_2998-her solemn brown eyes . How unequal the fight must be between [us]_3001-us , and how can [I]_0-i ever hope to conquer against the strength of [her]_2998-her beauty and [her]_2998-her wisdom ? " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert was clearing [his]_173-robert throat preparatory to bidding [[his]_173-robert beautiful companion]_{6983-his beautiful companion} good - morning , and making [his]_173-robert escape from the thraldom of [her]_2998-her presence into [the lonely meadow outside [the churchyard]_{898-the churchyard}]_{6984-the lonely meadow outside the churchyard} , when [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} arrested [him]_173-robert by speaking upon that very subject which [he]_173-robert was most anxious to avoid . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i promised to write to [me]_0-i , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [she]_{256-clara talboys} said , "_[0-i] if [you]_173-robert made any discovery which carried [you]_173-robert nearer to the mystery of [[my]_0-i brother]_{6319-my brother} 's disappearance . [You]_173-robert have not written to [me]_0-i , and [I]_0-i imagine , therefore , that [you]_173-robert have discovered nothing . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert was silent for some moments . How could [he]_173-robert answer this direct question ? "_[173-robert] The chain of circumstantial evidence which unites the mystery of [[your]_173-robert brother]_{6374-your brother} 's fate with [the person whom [I]_0-i suspect]_{3004-the person whom i suspect} , " [he]_0-i said , after a pause , "_{[3004-the person whom i suspect]} is formed of very slight links . [I]_0-i think that [I]_0-i have added another link to that chain since [I]_0-i saw [you]_173-robert in [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} . " "_[0-i] And [you]_173-robert refuse to tell [me]_0-i what it is that [you]_173-robert have discovered ? " "_[173-robert] Only until [I]_0-i have discovered more . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i thought from [your]_173-robert message that [you]_173-robert were going to [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} . " "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i have been [there]_374-there . " "_[0-i] Indeed ! It was there that [you]_173-robert made some discovery , then ? " "_[173-robert] It was , " answered [Robert]_173-robert . "_[173-robert] [You]_173-robert must remember , [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} that the sole ground upon which [my]_0-i suspicions rest is the identity of [two individuals who have no apparent connection]_{3006-two individuals who have no apparent connection} — the identity of [a person who is supposed to be dead]_{3007-a person who is supposed to be dead} with [one who is living]_{3008-one who is living} . The conspiracy of which [I]_0-i believe [[your]_173-robert brother]_{6374-your brother} to have been [the victim]_{2886-the victim} hinges upon this . If [[his]_{6374-your brother} wife]_{554-his wife} , [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} , died when the papers recorded [her]_{554-his wife} death — if [the woman who lies buried in [Ventnor churchyard]_{6165-ventnor churchyard}]_{2925-the woman who lies buried in ventnor churchyard} was indeed [the woman whose name is inscribed on the headstone of the grave]_{3014-the woman whose name is inscribed on the headstone of the grave} — [I]_0-i have no case , [I]_0-i have no clew to the mystery of [[your]_173-robert brother]_{6374-your brother} 's fate . [I]_0-i am about to put this to the test . [I]_0-i believe that [I]_0-i am now in a position to play a bold game , and [I]_0-i believe that [I]_0-i shall soon arrive at the truth . " [He]_0-i spoke in a low voice , and with a solemn emphasis that betrayed the intensity of [his]_0-i feeling . [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} stretched out [her]_{256-clara talboys} ungloved hand , and laid it in [his]_3016-his own . The cold touch of that slender hand sent a shivering thrill through [his]_3016-his frame . "_[3016-his] [You]_3016-his will not suffer [[my]_0-i brother]_{6319-my brother} 's fate to remain a mystery , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [she]_{256-clara talboys} said , quietly . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i know that [you]_3016-his will do [your]_3016-his duty to [[your]_3016-his friend]_{5065-your friend} . " [[The rector]_{6986-the rector} 's wife]_{6987-the rector 's wife} and [[her]_{6987-the rector 's wife} two companions]_{6988-her two companions} entered [the churchyard]_{898-the churchyard} as [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} said this . [Robert Audley]_173-robert pressed the hand that rested in [his]_173-robert own , and raised it to [his]_173-robert lips . "_[3016-his] [I]_0-i am [a lazy , good - for - nothing fellow]_{3019-a lazy , good - for - nothing fellow} , [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , " [he]_0-i said ; "_[0-i] but if [I]_0-i could restore [[your]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6374-your brother} [George]_{181-george talboys} to life and happiness , [I]_0-i should care very little for any sacrifice of [my]_0-i own feeling , fear that the most [I]_0-i can do is to fathom the secret of [his]_{6374-your brother} fate and in doing that [I]_0-i must sacrifice [those who are dearer to [me]_0-i than [myself]_0-i]_{3021-those who are dearer to me than myself} . " [He]_0-i put on [his]_0-i hat , and hurried through the gateway leading into [the field]_{5295-the field} as [Mrs. Martyn]_{291-mrs. martyn} came up to [the porch]_{6946-the porch} . "_{[3022-that handsome young man]} Who is [that handsome young man]_{3022-that handsome young man} [I]_0-i caught tête - a - tête with [you]_{256-clara talboys} , [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} ? " [she]_{291-mrs. martyn} asked , laughing . "_{[3022-that handsome young man]} [He]_{3022-that handsome young man} is a [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , [a friend of [[my]_0-i poor brother]_{3024-my poor brother} 's]_{3023-a friend of my poor brother 's} . " "_[173-robert] Indeed ! [He]_{3022-that handsome young man} is [some relation of [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael}]_{3025-some relation of sir michael audley} , [I]_0-i suppose ? " "_{[146-sir michael]} [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} ! " "_{[146-sir michael]} Yes , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} ; [the most important personage in [the parish of Audley]_{3028-the parish of audley}]_{3027-the most important personage in the parish of audley} . But [we]_3029-we 'll call at [the Court]_{373-the court} in a day or two , and [you]_{256-clara talboys} shall see [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} and [[his]_{465-the baronet} pretty young wife]_{464-his pretty young wife} . " "_{[465-the baronet]} [[His]_{465-the baronet} young wife]_{5117-his young wife} ! " replied [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , looking earnestly at [[her]_{256-clara talboys} friend]_{6992-her friend} . "_{[465-the baronet]} Has [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} lately married , then ? " "_{[465-the baronet]} Yes . [He]_{146-sir michael} was [a widower]_{475-a widower} for sixteen years , and married [a penniless young governess]_{3035-a penniless young governess} about a year and a half ago . The story is quite romantic , and [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} is considered [the belle of [the county]_{379-the county}]_{5127-the belle of the county} . But come , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} , the pony is tired of waiting for [us]_3039-us , and [we]_3039-us 've a long drive before dinner . " [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} took [her]_{256-clara talboys} seat in [the little basket - carriage]_{6993-the little basket - carriage} which was waiting at [the principal gate of [the churchyard]_{898-the churchyard}]_{6994-the principal gate of the churchyard} , in the care of [the boy who had blown the organ - bellows]_{6996-the boy who had blown the organ - bellows} . [Mrs. Martyn]_{291-mrs. martyn} shook the reins , and the sturdy chestnut cob trotted off in the direction of [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} . "_{[256-clara talboys]} Will [you]_{256-clara talboys} tell [me]_0-i more about [this Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , [Fanny]_294-fanny ? " [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} said , after a long pause . "_[294-fanny] [I]_0-i want to know all about [her]_{150-lady audley} . Have [you]_{256-clara talboys} heard [her]_{150-lady audley} maiden name ? " "_{[150-lady audley]} Yes ; [she]_{150-lady audley} was [a Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} . " "_{[150-lady audley]} And [she]_{150-lady audley} is very pretty ? " "_{[150-lady audley]} Yes , very , very pretty . Rather a childish beauty though , with large , clear blue eyes , and pale golden ringlets , that fall in a feathery shower over [her]_{150-lady audley} throat and shoulders . " [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} was silent . [She]_{256-clara talboys} did not ask any further questions about [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . [She]_{256-clara talboys} was thinking of a passage in that letter which [George]_{181-george talboys} had written to [her]_{256-clara talboys} during [his]_0-i honeymoon — a passage in which [he]_0-i said : "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i childish little wife]_{3040-my childish little wife} is watching [me]_0-i as [I]_0-i write this — Ah ! how [I]_0-i wish [you]_{256-clara talboys} could see [her]_{150-lady audley} , [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} ! [Her]_{150-lady audley} eyes are as blue and as clear as the skies on a bright summer 's day , and [her]_{150-lady audley} hair falls about [her]_{150-lady audley} face like the pale golden halo [you]_{256-clara talboys} see round the head of a Madonna in an Italian picture . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert was loitering upon [the broad grass - plat in front of [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{6998-the broad grass - plat in front of the court} as [the carriage]_{5171-the carriage} containing [[my]_{150-lady audley} lady]_{468-my lady} and [Alicia]_149-alicia drove under the archway , and drew up at the low turret - door . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert presented [himself]_173-robert in time to hand [the ladies]_{7002-the ladies} out of [the vehicle]_{1673-the vehicle} . [[My]_{150-lady audley} lady]_{468-my lady} looked very pretty in a delicate blue bonnet and the sables which [[her]_{468-my lady} nephew]_{5188-her nephew} had bought for [her]_{468-my lady} at [St. Petersburg]_{34-st. petersburg} . [She]_{468-my lady} seemed very well pleased to see [Robert]_173-robert , and smiled most bewitchingly as [she]_{468-my lady} gave [him]_173-robert [her]_{468-my lady} exquisitely gloved little hand . "_{[150-lady audley]} So [you]_3041-you have come back to [us]_3042-we , [truant]_3043-truant ? " [she]_{468-my lady} said , laughing . "_[3041-you] And now that [you]_3041-you have returned , [we]_3042-we shall keep [you]_3041-you prisoner . [We]_3042-we wo n't let [him]_3041-you run away again , will [we]_3042-we , [Alicia]_149-alicia ? " [Miss Audley]_149-alicia gave [her]_149-alicia head a scornful toss that shook the heavy curls under [her]_149-alicia cavalier hat . "_[149-alicia] [I]_0-i have nothing to do with the movements of so erratic [an individual]_{3044-an individual} , " [she]_149-alicia said . "_[0-i] Since [Robert Audley]_173-robert has taken it into [his]_173-robert head to conduct [himself]_173-robert like [some ghost - haunted hero]_{3045-some ghost - haunted hero} in a German story , [I]_0-i have given up attempting to understand [him]_173-robert . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert looked at [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} with an expression of serio - comic perplexity . "_[0-i] [She]_3046-she 's [a nice girl]_{5692-a nice girl} , " [he]_0-i thought , "_[3046-she] but [she]_3046-she 's [a nuisance]_{3048-a nuisance} . [I]_0-i do n't know how it is , but [she]_3046-she seems more a nuisance than [she]_3046-she used to be . " [He]_0-i pulled [his]_0-i mustaches reflectively as [he]_0-i considered this question . [His]_0-i mind wandered away for a few moments from the great trouble of [his]_0-i life to dwell upon this minor perplexity . "_[3046-she] [She]_3046-she 's [a dear girl]_{3049-a dear girl} , " [he]_0-i thought ; "_{[3049-a dear girl]} [a generous - hearted , bouncing , noble English lassie]_{3050-a generous - hearted , bouncing , noble english lassie} ; and yet — " [He]_0-i lost [himself]_0-i in a quagmire of doubt and difficulty . There was some hitch in [his]_0-i mind which [he]_0-i could not understand ; some change in [himself]_0-i , beyond the change made in [him]_0-i by [his]_0-i anxiety about [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , which mystified and bewildered [him]_0-i . "_[3046-she] And pray where have [you]_3051-you been wandering during the last day or two , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ? " asked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , as [she]_{468-my lady} lingered with [[her]_{468-my lady} step - daughter]_{5225-her step - daughter} upon the threshold of the turret - door , waiting until [Robert]_173-robert should be pleased to stand aside and allow [them]_7009-them to pass . [The young man]_{667-the young man} started as [she]_{468-my lady} asked this question and looked up at [her]_{468-my lady} suddenly . Something in the aspect of [her]_{468-my lady} bright young beauty , something in the childish innocence of [her]_{468-my lady} expression , seemed to smite [him]_{667-the young man} to the heart , and [his]_{667-the young man} face grew ghastly pale as [he]_{667-the young man} looked at [her]_{468-my lady} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have been — in [Yorkshire]_98-yorkshire , " [he]_{667-the young man} said ; "_[0-i] at [the little watering place where [[my]_0-i poor friend]_{6106-my poor friend} [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} lived at the time of [his]_{6106-my poor friend} marriage]_{3052-the little watering place where my poor friend george talboys lived at the time of his marriage} . " The white change in [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's face was the only sign of [her]_{468-my lady} having heard these words . [She]_{468-my lady} smiled , a faint , sickly smile , and tried to pass [[her]_{468-my lady} husband 's nephew]_{7012-her husband 's nephew} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i must dress for dinner , " [she]_{468-my lady} said . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i am going to a dinner - party , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ; please let [me]_0-i go in . " "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i must ask [you]_0-i to spare [me]_0-i half an hour , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , " [Robert]_173-robert answered , in a low voice . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i came down to [Essex]_2-essex on purpose to speak to [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] What about ? " asked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . [She]_{468-my lady} had recovered [herself]_{468-my lady} from any shock which [she]_{468-my lady} might have sustained a few moments before , and it was in [her]_{468-my lady} usual manner that [she]_{468-my lady} asked this question . [Her]_{468-my lady} face expressed the mingled bewilderment and curiosity of [a puzzled child]_{7014-a puzzled child} , rather than the serious surprise of [a woman]_{503-a woman} . "_[0-i] What can [you]_173-robert want to talk to [me]_0-i about , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ? " [she]_{468-my lady} repeated . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will tell [you]_0-i when [we]_3054-we are alone , " [Robert]_173-robert said , glancing at [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} , who stood a little way behind [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , watching this confidential little dialogue . "_[0-i] [He]_173-robert is in love with [[my]_0-i step - mother]_{1084-my step - mother} 's wax - doll beauty , " thought [Alicia]_149-alicia , "_{[1084-my step - mother]} and it is for [her]_{1084-my step - mother} sake [he]_173-robert has become such a disconsolate object . [He]_173-robert 's just [the sort of person to fall in love with [[his]_173-robert aunt]_{1281-his aunt}]_{3056-the sort of person to fall in love with his aunt} . " [Miss Audley]_149-alicia walked away to [the grass - plat]_{7018-the grass - plat} , turning [her]_149-alicia back upon [Robert]_173-robert and [[my]_{3058-the absurd creature} lady]_{468-my lady} . "_{[3058-the absurd creature]} [The absurd creature]_{3058-the absurd creature} turned as white as a sheet when [he]_173-robert saw [her]_{3058-the absurd creature} , " [she]_149-alicia thought . "_{[3058-the absurd creature]} So [he]_173-robert can be in love , after all . That slow lump of torpidity [he]_173-robert calls [his]_173-robert heart can beat , [I]_0-i suppose , once in a quarter of a century ; but it seems that [nothing but a blue - eyed wax - doll]_{3059-nothing but a blue - eyed wax - doll} can set it going . [I]_0-i should have given [him]_173-robert up long ago if [I]_0-i 'd known that [his]_173-robert idea of beauty was to be found in [a toy - shop]_{3060-a toy - shop} . " [Poor Alicia]_190-alicia crossed [the grass - plat]_{7018-the grass - plat} and disappeared upon the opposite side of [the quadrangle]_{7021-the quadrangle} , where there was a Gothic gate that communicated with [the stables]_{1746-the stables} . [I]_3061-you am sorry to say that [[Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} 's daughter]_{7023-sir michael audley 's daughter} went to seek consolation from [her]_{7023-sir michael audley 's daughter} dog [Caesar]_196-caesar and [her]_{7023-sir michael audley 's daughter} chestnut mare Atalanta , whose loose box [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} was in the habit of visiting every day . "_[3061-you] Will [you]_3061-you come into [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} ? " said [Robert]_173-robert , as [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} left [the garden]_{452-the garden} . "_[3061-you] [I]_0-i wish to talk to [you]_3061-you without fear of interruption or observation . [I]_0-i think [we]_3063-we could choose no safer place than that . Will [you]_3061-you come there with [me]_0-i ? " "_[3061-you] If [you]_0-i please , " answered [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert could see that [she]_3061-you was trembling , and that [she]_3061-you glanced from side to side as if looking for some outlet by which [she]_3061-you might escape [him]_173-robert . "_[0-i] [You]_3061-you are shivering , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , " [he]_173-robert said . "_{[150-lady audley]} Yes , [I]_0-i am very cold . [I]_0-i would rather speak to [you]_3061-you some other day , please . Let it be to - morrow , if [you]_3061-you will . [I]_0-i have to dress for dinner , and [I]_0-i want to see [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} ; [I]_0-i have not seen [him]_{146-sir michael} since ten o'clock this morning . Please let it be to - morrow . " There was a painful piteousness in [her]_3061-you tone . Heaven knows how painful to [Robert]_173-robert 's heart . [Heaven]_201-heaven knows what horrible images arose in [his]_173-robert mind as [he]_173-robert looked down at that fair young face and thought of the task that lay before [him]_173-robert . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i must speak to [you]_3061-you , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , " [he]_173-robert said . "_[0-i] If [I]_0-i am cruel , it is [you]_3061-you who have made [me]_0-i cruel . [You]_3061-you might have escaped this ordeal . [You]_3061-you might have avoided [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i gave [you]_3061-you fair warning . But [you]_3061-you have chosen to defy [me]_0-i , and it is [your]_3061-you own folly which is to blame if [I]_0-i no longer spare [you]_3061-you . Come with [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i tell [you]_3061-you again [I]_0-i must speak to [you]_3061-you . " There was a cold determination in [his]_173-robert tone which silenced [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's objections . [She]_{468-my lady} followed [him]_173-robert submissively to the little iron gate which communicated with [the long garden behind [the house]_{388-the house}]_{7029-the long garden behind the house} — [the garden in which [a little rustic wooden bridge]_{7032-a little rustic wooden bridge} led across [the quiet fish - pond]_{7033-the quiet fish - pond}]_{7031-the garden in which a little rustic wooden bridge led across the quiet fish - pond} into [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} . The early winter twilight was closing in , and the intricate tracery of the leafless branches that overarched [the lonely pathway]_{7035-the lonely pathway} looked black against the cold gray of the evening sky . [The lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} seemed like [some cloister]_{7037-some cloister} in this uncertain light . "_[0-i] Why do [you]_0-i bring [me]_0-i to this horrible place to frighten [me]_0-i out of [my]_0-i poor wits ? " cried [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , peevishly . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i ought to know how nervous [I]_0-i am . " "_[0-i] [You]_0-i are nervous , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ? " "_[0-i] Yes , dreadfully nervous . [I]_0-i am worth a fortune to [poor Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} . [He]_{151-mr. dawson} is always sending [me]_0-i camphor , and sal volatile , and red lavender , and all kinds of abominable mixtures , but [he]_{151-mr. dawson} ca n't cure [me]_0-i . " "_{[151-mr. dawson]} Do [you]_{468-my lady} remember what [Macbeth]_295-macbeth tells [[his]_295-macbeth physician]_{3065-his physician} , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ? " asked [Robert]_173-robert , gravely . "_{[295-macbeth]} [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} may be very much more clever than [the Scottish leech]_{3067-the scottish leech} , but [I]_0-i doubt if even [he]_{151-mr. dawson} can minister to the mind that is diseased . " "_{[151-mr. dawson]} Who said that [my]_0-i mind was diseased ? " exclaimed [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i say so , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " answered [Robert]_173-robert . "_[0-i] [You]_{468-my lady} tell [me]_0-i that [you]_{468-my lady} are nervous , and that all the medicines [[your]_{468-my lady} doctor]_{3069-your doctor} can prescribe are only so much physic that might as well be thrown to the dogs . Let [me]_0-i be [the physician]_{3070-the physician} to strike to the root of [your]_{468-my lady} malady , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . Heaven knows that [I]_0-i wish to be merciful — that [I]_0-i would spare [you]_{468-my lady} as far as it is in [my]_0-i power to spare [you]_{468-my lady} in doing justice to [others]_5097-others — but justice must be done . Shall [I]_0-i tell [you]_{468-my lady} why [you]_{468-my lady} are nervous in [this house]_{6101-this house} , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ? " "_[0-i] If [you]_0-i can , " [she]_{468-my lady} answered , with a little laugh . "_[0-i] Because for [you]_0-i [this house]_{6101-this house} is haunted . " "_[0-i] Haunted ? " "_[0-i] Yes , haunted by the ghost of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert heard [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's quickened breathing , [he]_173-robert fancied [he]_173-robert could almost hear the loud beating of [her]_{468-my lady} heart as [she]_{468-my lady} walked by [his]_173-robert side , shivering now and then , and with [her]_{468-my lady} sable cloak wrapped tightly around [her]_{468-my lady} . "_[0-i] What do [you]_0-i mean ? " [she]_{468-my lady} cried suddenly , after a pause of some moments . "_[0-i] Why do [you]_0-i torment [me]_0-i about this [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , who happens to have taken it into [his]_3075-he head to keep out of [your]_0-i way for a few months ? Are [you]_0-i going mad , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , and do [you]_0-i select [me]_0-i as [the victim of [your]_0-i monomania]_{3076-the victim of your monomania} ? What is [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} to [me]_0-i that [you]_0-i should worry [me]_0-i about [him]_3075-he ? " "_{[181-george talboys]} [He]_3075-he was [a stranger to [you]_0-i]_{3077-a stranger to you} , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , was [he]_3075-he not ? " "_[3075-he] Of course ! " answered [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_[3075-he] What should [he]_3075-he be but [a stranger]_{1506-a stranger} ? " "_[3075-he] Shall [I]_0-i tell [you]_0-i the story of [[my]_0-i friend]_{836-my friend} 's disappearance as [I]_0-i read that story , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ? " asked [Robert]_173-robert . "_[0-i] No , " cried [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i wish to know nothing of [[your]_0-i friend]_{5065-your friend} . If [he]_{5065-your friend} is dead , [I]_0-i am sorry for [him]_{5065-your friend} . If [he]_{5065-your friend} lives , [I]_0-i have no wish either to see [him]_{5065-your friend} or to hear of [him]_{5065-your friend} . Let [me]_0-i go in to see [[my]_0-i husband]_{3083-my husband} , if [you]_0-i please , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , unless [you]_0-i wish to detain [me]_0-i in [this gloomy place]_{3084-this gloomy place} until [I]_0-i catch [my]_0-i death of cold . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i wish to detain [you]_0-i until [you]_0-i have heard what [I]_0-i have to say , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , " answered [Robert]_173-robert , resolutely . "_{[150-lady audley]} [I]_0-i will detain [you]_0-i no longer than is necessary , and when [you]_0-i have heard [me]_0-i [you]_0-i shall take [your]_0-i own course of action . " "_[0-i] Very well , then ; pray lose no time in saying what [you]_0-i have to say , " replied [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , carelessly . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i promise [you]_0-i to attend very patiently . " "_[0-i] When [[my]_0-i friend]_{836-my friend} , [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , returned to [England]_7-england , " [Robert]_173-robert began , gravely , "_[0-i] the thought which was uppermost in [his]_{836-my friend} mind was the thought of [[his]_{836-my friend} wife]_{554-his wife} . " "_{[554-his wife]} Whom [he]_{836-my friend} had deserted , " said [[my]_{554-his wife} lady]_{468-my lady} , quickly . "_{[554-his wife]} At least , " [she]_{468-my lady} added , more deliberately , "_{[554-his wife]} [I]_0-i remember [your]_0-i telling [us]_3087-us something to that effect when [you]_0-i first told [us]_3087-us [[your]_0-i friend]_{5065-your friend} 's story . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert did not notice this observation . "_[0-i] The thought that was uppermost in [his]_{836-my friend} mind was the thought of [[his]_{836-my friend} wife]_{554-his wife} , " [he]_{836-my friend} repeated . "_{[554-his wife]} [His]_{836-my friend} fairest hope in the future was the hope of making [her]_{554-his wife} happy , and lavishing upon [her]_{554-his wife} the pittance which [he]_{836-my friend} had won by the force of [his]_{836-my friend} own strong arm in [the gold - fields of [Australia]_11-australia]_{3090-the gold - fields of australia} . [I]_0-i saw [him]_{836-my friend} within a few hours of [his]_{836-my friend} reaching [England]_7-england , and [I]_0-i was a witness to the joyful pride with which [he]_{836-my friend} looked forward to [his]_{836-my friend} re - union with [[his]_{836-my friend} wife]_{554-his wife} . [I]_0-i was also a witness to the blow which struck [him]_{836-my friend} to the very heart — which changed [him]_{836-my friend} from [the man [he]_{836-my friend} had been]_{3092-the man he had been} to a creature as unlike that former self as [one human being]_{3093-one human being} can be unlike another . The blow which made that cruel change was the announcement of [[his]_{836-my friend} wife]_{554-his wife} 's death in the Times newspaper . [I]_0-i now believe that that announcement was a black and bitter lie . " "_{[673-the lady]} Indeed ! " said [[my]_{673-the lady} lady]_{468-my lady} ; "_{[673-the lady]} and what reason could [any one]_{5101-any one} have for announcing the death of [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , if [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} had been alive ? " "_{[181-george talboys]} [The lady]_{673-the lady} [herself]_{673-the lady} might have had a reason , " [Robert]_173-robert answered , quietly . "_{[673-the lady]} What reason ? " "_{[673-the lady]} How if [she]_{673-the lady} had taken advantage of [George]_{181-george talboys} 's absence to win [a richer husband]_{3097-a richer husband} ? How if [she]_{673-the lady} had married again , and wished to throw [[my]_0-i poor friend]_{6106-my poor friend} off the scent by this false announcement ? " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} shrugged [her]_{150-lady audley} shoulders . "_{[673-the lady]} [Your]_0-i suppositions are rather ridiculous , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [she]_{150-lady audley} said ; "_{[673-the lady]} it is to be hoped that [you]_173-robert have some reasonable grounds for them . " "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i have examined a file of each of the newspapers published in [Chelmsford]_{38-chelmsford} and [Colchester]_{39-colchester} , " continued [Robert]_173-robert , without replying to [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's last observation , "_[0-i] and [I]_0-i find in one of the [Colchester]_{39-colchester} papers , dated July the 2d , 1857 , a brief paragraph among numerous miscellaneous scraps of information copied from other newspapers , to the effect that [a Mr. George Talboys]_157-george , [an English gentleman]_{3099-an english gentleman} , had arrived at [Sydney]_5-sydney from [the gold - fields]_{3100-the gold - fields} , carrying with [him]_157-george nuggets and gold - dust to the amount of twenty thousand pounds , and that [he]_157-george had realized [his]_157-george property and sailed for [Liverpool]_6-liverpool in [the fast - sailing clipper Argus]_{3101-the fast - sailing clipper argus} . This is a very small fact , of course , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , but it is enough to prove that [any person residing in [Essex]_2-essex]_{3102-any person residing in essex} in the July of the year fifty - seven , was likely to become aware of [George Talboys]_157-george ' return from [Australia]_11-australia . Do [you]_0-i follow [me]_0-i ? " "_[0-i] Not very clearly , " said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . "_[0-i] What have the [Essex]_2-essex papers to do with the death of [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} ? " "_{[181-george talboys]} [We]_3103-we will come to that by - and - by , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . [I]_0-i say that [I]_0-i believe the announcement in the Times to have been a false announcement , and a part of the conspiracy which was carried out by [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} and [Lieutenant Maldon]_{242-lieutenant maldon} against [[my]_0-i poor friend]_{6106-my poor friend} . " "_{[242-lieutenant maldon]} A conspiracy ! " "_{[242-lieutenant maldon]} Yes , a conspiracy concocted by [an artful woman]_{3105-an artful woman} , who had speculated upon the chances of [[her]_{3105-an artful woman} husband]_{469-her husband} 's death , and had secured a splendid position at the risk of committing a crime ; [a bold woman]_{3107-a bold woman} , [[[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , who thought to play [her]_{3107-a bold woman} comedy out to the end without fear of detection ; [a wicked woman]_{3110-a wicked woman} , who did not care what misery [she]_{3110-a wicked woman} might inflict upon the honest heart of [the man [she]_{3110-a wicked woman} betrayed]_{3111-the man she betrayed}]_{3109-my lady , who thought to play her comedy out to the end without fear of detection ; a wicked woman , who did not care what misery she might inflict upon the honest heart of the man she betrayed} ; but [a foolish woman , who looked at life as a game of chance]_{3112-a foolish woman , who looked at life as a game of chance} , in which [the best player]_{3113-the best player} was likely to hold the winning cards , forgetting that there is a Providence above [the pitiful speculators]_{3114-the pitiful speculators} , and that wicked secrets are never permitted to remain long hidden . If [this woman of whom [I]_0-i speak]_{3115-this woman of whom i speak} had never been guilty of any blacker sin than the publication of that lying announcement in the Times newspaper , [I]_0-i should still hold [her]_{3115-this woman of whom i speak} as the most detestable and despicable of [her]_{3115-this woman of whom i speak} sex — the most pitiless and calculating of [human creatures]_{3116-human creatures} . That cruel lie was a base and cowardly blow in the dark ; it was the treacherous dagger - thrust of [an infamous assassin]_{3117-an infamous assassin} . " "_{[3117-an infamous assassin]} But how do [you]_0-i know that the announcement was a false one ? " asked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i told [us]_3118-us that [you]_0-i had been to [Ventnor]_26-ventnor with [Mr. Talboys]_157-george to see [[[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} 's grave]_{3120-his wife 's grave} . Who was [it]_3121-it who died at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor if it was not [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} ? " "_{[181-george talboys]} Ah , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , " said [Robert]_173-robert , "_{[150-lady audley]} that is a question which [only two or three people]_{3122-only two or three people} can answer , and [one or other of [those persons]_{3124-those persons}]_{3123-one or other of those persons} shall answer it to [me]_0-i before long . [I]_0-i tell [you]_{150-lady audley} , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , that [I]_0-i am determined to unravel the mystery of [George Talboy]_{296-george talboy} 's death . Do [you]_{150-lady audley} think [I]_0-i am to be put off by feminine prevarication — by womanly trickery ? No ! Link by link [I]_0-i have put together the chain of evidence , which wants but a link here and there to be complete in its terrible strength . Do [you]_{150-lady audley} think [I]_0-i will suffer [myself]_0-i to be baffled ? Do [you]_{150-lady audley} think [I]_0-i shall fail to discover those missing links ? No , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , [I]_0-i shall not fail , for [I]_0-i know where to look for [them]_3126-them ! There is [a fair - haired woman at [Southampton]_{33-southampton}]_{3127-a fair - haired woman at southampton} — [a woman called [Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} , who has some share in the secrets of the father of [[my]_0-i friend 's wife]_{3129-my friend 's wife}]_{3128-a woman called plowson , who has some share in the secrets of the father of my friend 's wife} . [I]_0-i have an idea that [she]_{3127-a fair - haired woman at southampton} can help [me]_0-i to discover the history of [the woman who lies buried in [Ventnor churchyard]_{6165-ventnor churchyard}]_{2925-the woman who lies buried in ventnor churchyard} , and [I]_0-i will spare no trouble in making that discovery , unless — " "_{[3127-a fair - haired woman at southampton]} Unless what ? " asked [[my]_{3127-a fair - haired woman at southampton} lady]_{468-my lady} , eagerly . "_{[3127-a fair - haired woman at southampton]} Unless [the woman [I]_0-i wish to save from degradation and punishment]_{3132-the woman i wish to save from degradation and punishment} accepts the mercy [I]_0-i offer [her]_{3132-the woman i wish to save from degradation and punishment} , and takes warning while there is still time . " [[My]_{3132-the woman i wish to save from degradation and punishment} lady]_{468-my lady} shrugged [her]_{468-my lady} graceful shoulders , and flashed bright defiance out of [her]_{468-my lady} blue eyes . "_{[3132-the woman i wish to save from degradation and punishment]} [She]_{3132-the woman i wish to save from degradation and punishment} would be [a very foolish woman]_{3133-a very foolish woman} if [she]_{3132-the woman i wish to save from degradation and punishment} suffered [herself]_{3132-the woman i wish to save from degradation and punishment} to be influenced by any such absurdity , " [she]_{468-my lady} said . "_{[3132-the woman i wish to save from degradation and punishment]} [You]_3134-you are hypochondriacal , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , and [you]_3134-you must take camphor , or red lavender , or sal volatile . What can be more ridiculous than this idea which [you]_3134-you have taken into [your]_3134-you head ? [You]_3134-you lose [[your]_3134-you friend]_{5065-your friend} [George Talboys]_157-george in rather a mysterious manner — that is to say , [that gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} chooses to leave [England]_7-england without giving [you]_3134-you due notice . What of that ? [You]_3134-you confess that [he]_157-george became [an altered man]_{3137-an altered man} after [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} 's death . [He]_157-george grew eccentric and misanthropical ; [he]_157-george affected an utter indifference as to what became of [him]_157-george . What more likely , then , than that [he]_157-george grew tired of the monotony of civilized life , and ran away to [those savage gold - fields]_{3139-those savage gold - fields} to find a distraction for [his]_157-george grief ? It is rather a romantic story , but by no means an uncommon one . But [you]_3134-you are not satisfied with this simple interpretation of [[your]_3134-you friend]_{5065-your friend} 's disappearance , and [you]_3134-you build up some absurd theory of a conspiracy which has no existence except in [your]_3134-you own overheated brain . [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} is dead . The Times newspaper declares [she]_{179-helen talboys} is dead . [[Her]_{179-helen talboys} own father]_{3141-her own father} tells [you]_3134-you that [she]_{179-helen talboys} is dead . The headstone of [the grave in [Ventnor churchyard]_{6165-ventnor churchyard}]_{3142-the grave in ventnor churchyard} bears record of [her]_{179-helen talboys} death . By what right , " cried [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} , [her]_{468-my lady} voice rising to that shrill and piercing tone peculiar to [her]_{468-my lady} when affected by any intense agitation—"by_[173-robert] what right , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , do [you]_173-robert come to [me]_0-i , and torment [me]_0-i about [George Talboys]_157-george — by what right do [you]_173-robert dare to say that [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} is still alive ? " "_[173-robert] By the right of circumstantial evidence , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , " answered [Robert—"by]_{297-robert—"by[150-lady audley]} the right of that circumstantial evidence which will sometimes fix the guilt of [a man]_{445-a man} 's murder upon [that person who , on the first hearing of the case]_{3146-that person who , on the first hearing of the case} , seems of [all other men]_{3147-all other men} the most unlikely to be guilty . " "_{[150-lady audley]} What circumstantial evidence ? " "_{[150-lady audley]} The evidence of time and place . The evidence of handwriting . When [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} left [[her]_{179-helen talboys} father]_{481-her father} 's at [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} , [she]_{179-helen talboys} left a letter behind [her]_{179-helen talboys} — a letter in which [she]_{179-helen talboys} declared that [she]_{179-helen talboys} was weary of [her]_{179-helen talboys} old life , and that [she]_{179-helen talboys} wished to seek [a new home]_{3149-a new home} and a new fortune . That letter is in [my]_0-i possession . " "_[0-i] Indeed . " "_[0-i] Shall [I]_0-i tell [you]_3150-you whose handwriting resembles that of [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} so closely , that [the most dexterous expert]_{3151-the most dexterous expert} could perceive no distinction between the two ? " "_{[3151-the most dexterous expert]} A resemblance between the handwriting of [two women]_{3152-two women} is no very uncommon circumstance now - a - days , " replied [[my]_{3151-the most dexterous expert} lady]_{468-my lady} carelessly . "_{[3151-the most dexterous expert]} [I]_0-i could show [you]_3150-you the caligraphies of [half - a - dozen female correspondents]_{3153-half - a - dozen female correspondents} , and defy [you]_3150-you to discover any great difference in them . " "_[3150-you] But what if the handwriting is a very uncommon one , presenting marked peculiarities by which it may be recognized among a hundred ? " "_[3150-you] Why , in that case the coincidence is rather curious , " answered [[my]_3150-you lady]_{468-my lady} ; "_[3150-you] but it is nothing more than a coincidence . [You]_3150-you can not deny the fact of [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} death on the ground that [her]_{179-helen talboys} handwriting resembles that of [some surviving person]_{3154-some surviving person} . " "_[3150-you] But if a series of such coincidences lead up to the same point , " said [Robert]_173-robert . "_{[179-helen talboys]} [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} left [[[her]_{179-helen talboys} father]_{481-her father} 's house]_{482-her father 's house} , according to the declaration in [her]_{179-helen talboys} own handwriting , because [she]_{179-helen talboys} was weary of [her]_{179-helen talboys} old life , and wished to begin a new one . Do [you]_3150-you know what [I]_0-i infer from this ? " [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} shrugged [her]_{468-my lady} shoulders . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have not the least idea , " [she]_{468-my lady} said ; "_[0-i] and as [you]_3150-you have detained [me]_0-i in [this gloomy place]_{3084-this gloomy place} nearly half - an - hour , [I]_0-i must beg that [you]_3150-you will release [me]_0-i , and let [me]_0-i go and dress for dinner . " "_{[150-lady audley]} No , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , " answered [Robert]_173-robert , with a cold sternness that was so strange to [him]_173-robert as to transform [him]_173-robert into another creature — a pitiless embodiment of justice , a cruel instrument of retribution—"no_{[150-lady audley]} , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , " [he]_0-i repeated , "_{[150-lady audley]} [I]_0-i have told [you]_{150-lady audley} that womanly prevarication will not help [you]_{150-lady audley} ; [I]_0-i tell [you]_{150-lady audley} now that defiance will not serve [you]_{150-lady audley} . [I]_0-i have dealt fairly with [you]_{150-lady audley} , and have given [you]_{150-lady audley} fair warning . [I]_0-i gave [you]_{150-lady audley} indirect notice of [your]_{150-lady audley} danger two months ago . " "_[0-i] What do [you]_0-i mean ? " asked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , suddenly . "_[0-i] [You]_{150-lady audley} did not choose to take that warning , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , " pursued [Robert]_173-robert , "_{[150-lady audley]} and the time has come in which [I]_0-i must speak very plainly to [you]_{150-lady audley} . Do [you]_{150-lady audley} think the gifts which [you]_{150-lady audley} have played against fortune are to hold [you]_{150-lady audley} exempt from retribution ? No , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , [your]_{150-lady audley} youth and beauty , [your]_{150-lady audley} grace and refinement , only make the horrible secret of [your]_{150-lady audley} life more horrible . [I]_0-i tell [you]_{150-lady audley} that the evidence against [you]_{150-lady audley} wants only one link to be strong enough for [your]_{150-lady audley} condemnation , and that link shall be added . [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} never returned to [[[her]_{179-helen talboys} father]_{481-her father} 's house]_{482-her father 's house} . When [she]_{179-helen talboys} deserted [that poor old father]_{3161-that poor old father} , [she]_{179-helen talboys} went away from [[his]_{3161-that poor old father} humble shelter]_{3162-his humble shelter} with the declared intention of washing [her]_{179-helen talboys} hands of that old life . What do [people]_572-people generally do when [they]_572-people wish to begin a new existence — to start for a second time in the race of life , free from the incumbrances that had fettered [their]_572-people first journey . [They]_572-people change [their]_572-people names , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} deserted [[her]_{179-helen talboys} infant son]_{3164-her infant son} — [she]_{179-helen talboys} went away from [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} with the predetermination of sinking [her]_{179-helen talboys} identity . [She]_{179-helen talboys} disappeared as [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} upon the 16th of August , 1854 , and upon the 17th of that month [she]_{179-helen talboys} reappeared as [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} , [the friendless girl who undertook a profitless duty in consideration of [a home in which [she]_{179-helen talboys} was asked no questions]_{3165-a home in which she was asked no questions} . " "_[3166-you] [You]_3166-you are mad , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ! " cried [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady}]_{7053-the friendless girl who undertook a profitless duty in consideration of a home in which she was asked no questions . " " you are mad , mr. audley ! " cried my lady} . "_[173-robert] [You]_3166-you are mad , and [[my]_0-i husband]_{3083-my husband} shall protect [me]_0-i from [your]_3166-you insolence . What if this [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} ran away from [[her]_{179-helen talboys} home]_{3168-her home} upon one day , and [I]_0-i entered [[[my]_0-i employer]_{3169-my employer} 's house]_{3170-my employer 's house} upon the next , what does that prove ? " "_{[179-helen talboys]} By itself , very little , " replied [Robert Audley]_173-robert ; "_{[179-helen talboys]} but with the help of other evidence — " "_{[179-helen talboys]} What evidence ? " "_{[179-helen talboys]} The evidence of two labels , pasted one over the other , upon a box left by [you]_3166-you in possession of [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} , the upper label bearing the name of [Miss Graham]_{152-miss graham} , the lower that of [Mrs. George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . " [[My]_{181-george talboys} lady]_{468-my lady} was silent . [Robert Audley]_173-robert could not see [her]_{468-my lady} face in the dusk , but [he]_173-robert could see that [her]_{468-my lady} two small hands were clasped convulsively over [her]_{468-my lady} heart , and [he]_173-robert knew that the shot had gone home to its mark . "_{[181-george talboys]} God help [her]_{179-helen talboys} , poor , wretched creature , " [he]_173-robert thought . "_{[179-helen talboys]} [She]_{179-helen talboys} knows now that [she]_{179-helen talboys} is lost . [I]_0-i wonder if [the judges of [the land]_{3172-the land}]_{3171-the judges of the land} feel as [I]_0-i do now when [they]_{3171-the judges of the land} put on the black cap and pass sentence of death upon [some poor , shivering wretch]_{3173-some poor , shivering wretch} , who has never done [them]_{3171-the judges of the land} any wrong . Do [they]_{3171-the judges of the land} feel a heroic fervor of virtuous indignation , or do [they]_{3171-the judges of the land} suffer this dull anguish which gnaws [my]_0-i vitals as [I]_0-i talk to [this helpless woman]_{3174-this helpless woman} ? " [He]_173-robert walked by [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's side , silently , for some minutes . [They]_7057-they had been pacing up and down [the dim avenue]_{7058-the dim avenue} , and [they]_7057-they were now drawing near the leafless shrubbery at one end of [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} — the shrubbery in which [the ruined well]_{5299-the ruined well} sheltered its unheeded decay among the tangled masses of briery underwood . [A winding pathway]_{7061-a winding pathway} , neglected and half - choked with weeds , led toward [this well]_{7062-this well} . [Robert]_173-robert left [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} , and struck into [this pathway]_{7064-this pathway} . There was more light in the shrubbery than in [the avenue]_{754-the avenue} , and [Mr. Audley]_173-robert wished to see [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's face . [He]_173-robert did not speak until [they]_7057-they reached [the patch of rank grass beside [the well]_{7068-the well}]_{7067-the patch of rank grass beside the well} . The massive brickwork had fallen away here and there , and loose fragments of masonry lay buried amidst weeds and briars . The heavy posts which had supported the wooden roller still remained , but the iron spindle had been dragged from its socket and lay a few paces from the well , rusty , discolored , and forgotten . [Robert Audley]_173-robert leaned against one of the moss - grown posts and looked down at [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's face , very pale in the chill winter twilight . The moon had newly risen , a feebly luminous crescent in the gray heavens , and a faint , ghostly light mingled with the misty shadows of the declining day . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's face seemed like that face which [Robert Audley]_173-robert had seen in [his]_173-robert dreams looking out of the white foam - flakes on the green sea waves and luring [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} to destruction . "_[0-i] Those two labels are in [my]_0-i possession , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , " [he]_0-i resumed . "_{[150-lady audley]} [I]_0-i took them from the box left by [you]_{150-lady audley} at [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas} . [I]_0-i took them in the presence of [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} and [Miss Tonks]_{282-miss tonks} . Have [you]_{150-lady audley} any proofs to offer against this evidence ? [You]_{150-lady audley} say to [me]_0-i , ' [I]_0-i am [Lucy Graham]_{152-miss graham} and [I]_0-i have nothing whatever to do with [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} . ' In that case [you]_{150-lady audley} will produce witnesses who will declare [your]_{150-lady audley} antecedents . Where had [you]_{150-lady audley} been living prior to [your]_{150-lady audley} appearance at [Crescent Villas]_{88-crescent villas} ? [You]_{150-lady audley} must have [friends]_1050-friends , [relations]_{3176-relations} , connections , who can come forward to prove as much as this for [you]_{150-lady audley} ? If [you]_{150-lady audley} were [the most desolate creature upon [this earth]_{1644-this earth}]_{3177-the most desolate creature upon this earth} , [you]_{150-lady audley} would be able to point to [someone who could identify [you]_{150-lady audley} with the past]_{3179-someone who could identify you with the past} . " "_{[3179-someone who could identify you with the past]} Yes , " cried [[my]_{3179-someone who could identify you with the past} lady]_{468-my lady} , "_{[3179-someone who could identify you with the past]} if [I]_0-i were placed in [a criminal dock]_{3180-a criminal dock} [I]_0-i could , no doubt , bring forward [witnesses]_{3181-witnesses} to refute [your]_{150-lady audley} absurd accusation . But [I]_0-i am not in [a criminal dock]_{3180-a criminal dock} , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , and [I]_0-i do not choose to do anything but laugh at [your]_{150-lady audley} ridiculous folly . [I]_0-i tell [you]_{150-lady audley} that [you]_{150-lady audley} are mad ! If [you]_{150-lady audley} please to say that [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} is not dead , and that [I]_0-i am [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} , [you]_{150-lady audley} may do so . If [you]_{150-lady audley} choose to go wandering about in the places in which [I]_0-i have lived , and to [the places in which [this Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} has lived]_{3183-the places in which this mrs. talboys has lived} , [you]_{150-lady audley} must follow the bent of [your]_{150-lady audley} own inclination , but [I]_0-i would warn [you]_{150-lady audley} that such fancies have sometimes conducted [people]_572-people , as apparently sane as [yourself]_{150-lady audley} , to the life - long imprisonment of [a private lunatic - asylum]_{3185-a private lunatic - asylum} . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert started and recoiled a few paces among the weeds and brushwood as [[my]_{179-helen talboys} lady]_{468-my lady} said this . "_{[179-helen talboys]} [She]_{179-helen talboys} would be capable of any new crime to shield [her]_{179-helen talboys} from the consequences of the old one , " [he]_173-robert thought . "_{[179-helen talboys]} [She]_{179-helen talboys} would be capable of using [her]_{179-helen talboys} influence with [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} to place [me]_0-i in [a mad - house]_{3187-a mad - house} . " [I]_{179-helen talboys} do not say that [Robert Audley]_173-robert was [a coward]_{7074-a coward} , but [I]_{179-helen talboys} will admit that a shiver of horror , something akin to fear , chilled [him]_0-i to the heart as [he]_0-i remembered the horrible things that have been done by [women]_4642-women since that day upon which [Eve]_298-eve was created to be [[Adam]_299-adam 's companion]_{7076-adam 's companion} and help - meet in [the garden of Eden]_{7077-the garden of eden} . "_{[179-helen talboys]} What if [this woman]_{557-this woman} 's hellish power of dissimulation should be stronger than the truth , and crush [him]_0-i ? [She]_{557-this woman} had not spared [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} when [he]_0-i stood in [her]_{557-this woman} way and menaced [her]_{557-this woman} with a certain peril ; would [she]_{557-this woman} spare [him]_0-i who threatened [her]_{557-this woman} with a far greater danger ? Are [women]_4642-women merciful , or loving , or kind in proportion to [their]_4642-women beauty and grace ? Was there not [a certain [Monsieur Mazers de Latude]_{300-monsieur mazers de latude} , who had the bad fortune to offend [the all - accomplished Madam de Pompadour , who expiated [his]_0-i youthful indiscretion by a life - long imprisonment]_{3191-the all - accomplished madam de pompadour , who expiated his youthful indiscretion by a life - long imprisonment} ; who twice escaped from prison , to be twice cast back into captivity ; who , trusting in the tardy generosity of [[his]_0-i beautiful foe]_{3192-his beautiful foe}]_{3190-a certain monsieur mazers de latude , who had the bad fortune to offend the all - accomplished madam de pompadour , who expiated his youthful indiscretion by a life - long imprisonment ; who twice escaped from prison , to be twice cast back into captivity ; who , trusting in the tardy generosity of his beautiful foe} , betrayed [himself]_0-i to [an implacable fiend]_{3193-an implacable fiend} ? [Robert Audley]_173-robert looked at the pale face of [the woman standing by [his]_173-robert side]_{3194-the woman standing by his side} ; that fair and beautiful face , illumined by starry - blue eyes , that had a strange and surely a dangerous light in them ; and remembering a hundred stories of womanly perfidy , shuddered as [he]_173-robert thought how unequal the struggle might be between [himself]_173-robert and [[his]_173-robert uncle 's wife]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} . " [I]_173-robert have shown [her]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} [my]_173-robert cards , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought , " but [she]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} has kept [hers]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} hidden from [me]_173-robert . The mask that [she]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} wears is not to be plucked away . [[My]_173-robert uncle]_{991-my uncle} would rather think [me]_173-robert mad than believe [her]_{1391-his uncle 's wife} guilty . "_[173-robert] The pale face of [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} — that grave and earnest face , so different in its character to [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's fragile beauty — arose before [him]_173-robert . " What [a coward]_{7074-a coward} [I]_173-robert am to think of [myself]_173-robert or [my]_173-robert own danger , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought . " The more [I]_173-robert see of [this woman]_{557-this woman} the more reason [I]_173-robert have to dread [her]_{557-this woman} influence upon [others]_5097-others ; the more reason to wish [her]_{557-this woman} far away from [this house]_{6101-this house} . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert looked about [him]_173-robert in the dusky obscurity . [The lonely garden]_{3197-the lonely garden} was as quiet as [some solitary grave - yard]_{3198-some solitary grave - yard} , walled in and hidden away from [the world of the living]_{3199-the world of the living} . " It was somewhere in [this garden]_{7083-this garden} that [she]_{557-this woman} met [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} upon the day of [his]_0-i disappearance , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought . " [I]_173-robert wonder where it was [they]_7084-they met ; [I]_173-robert wonder where it was that [he]_0-i looked into [her]_{557-this woman} cruel face and taxed [her]_{557-this woman} with [her]_{557-this woman} falsehood ? "_[173-robert] [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , with [her]_{468-my lady} little hand resting lightly upon the opposite post to that against which [Robert]_173-robert leaned , toyed with [her]_{468-my lady} pretty foot among the long weeds , but kept a furtive watch upon [[her]_{468-my lady} enemy]_{3201-her enemy} 's face . " It is to be a duel to the death , then , [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[173-robert] said [Robert Audley]_173-robert , solemnly . " [You]_{468-my lady} refuse to accept [my]_173-robert warning . [You]_{468-my lady} refuse to run away and repent of [your]_{468-my lady} wickedness in [some foreign place]_{7086-some foreign place} , far from [the generous gentleman [you]_{468-my lady} have deceived and fooled by [your]_{468-my lady} false witcheries]_{7087-the generous gentleman you have deceived and fooled by your false witcheries} . [You]_{468-my lady} choose to remain [here]_4776-here and defy [me]_173-robert . "_[173-robert] " [I]_{150-lady audley} do , "_{[150-lady audley]} answered [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , lifting [her]_{150-lady audley} head and looking full at [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} . " It is no fault of [mine]_173-robert if [[my]_{150-lady audley} husband 's nephew]_{7089-my husband 's nephew} goes mad , and chooses [me]_{150-lady audley} for [the victim of [[his]_{7089-my husband 's nephew} monomania]_{7091-his monomania}]_{7090-the victim of his monomania} . "_{[150-lady audley]} " So be it , then , [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[173-robert] answered [Robert]_173-robert . " [[My]_173-robert friend]_{836-my friend} [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} was last seen entering [these gardens]_{7094-these gardens} by the little iron gate by which [we]_7095-we came in to - night . [He]_{836-my friend} was last heard inquiring for [you]_{150-lady audley} . [He]_{836-my friend} was seen to enter [these gardens]_{7094-these gardens} , but [he]_{836-my friend} was never seen to leave [them]_{7094-these gardens} . [I]_173-robert believe that [he]_{836-my friend} met [his]_{836-my friend} death within the boundary of [these grounds]_{7097-these grounds} ; and that [his]_{836-my friend} body lies hidden below some quiet water , or in [some forgotten corner of [this place]_{5298-this place}]_{7098-some forgotten corner of this place} . [I]_173-robert will have such a search made as shall level [that house]_{6322-that house} to the earth and root up every tree in [these gardens]_{7094-these gardens} , rather than [I]_173-robert will fail in finding the grave of [[my]_173-robert murdered friend]_{7102-my murdered friend} . "_[173-robert] [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy uttered a long , low , wailing cry , and threw up [her]_197-lucy arms above [her]_197-lucy head with a wild gesture of despair , but [she]_197-lucy made no answer to the ghastly charge of [[her]_197-lucy accuser]_{3203-her accuser} . [Her]_197-lucy arms slowly dropped , and [she]_197-lucy stood staring at [Robert Audley]_173-robert , [her]_197-lucy white face gleaming through the dusk , [her]_197-lucy blue eyes glittering and dilated . " [You]_173-robert shall never live to do this , "_[197-lucy] [she]_197-lucy said . " [I]_197-lucy will kill [you]_173-robert first . Why have [you]_173-robert tormented [me]_197-lucy so ? Why could [you]_173-robert not let [me]_197-lucy alone ? What harm had [I]_197-lucy ever done [you]_173-robert that [you]_173-robert should make [yourself]_173-robert [[my]_197-lucy persecutor]_{7103-my persecutor} , and dog [my]_197-lucy steps , and watch [my]_197-lucy looks , and play [the spy]_{7104-the spy} upon [me]_197-lucy ? Do [you]_173-robert want to drive [me]_197-lucy mad ? Do [you]_173-robert know what it is to wrestle with [a mad - woman]_{7105-a mad - woman} ? No , "_[197-lucy] cried [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , with a laugh , " [you]_173-robert do not , or [you]_173-robert would never — "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} stopped abruptly and drew [herself]_{468-my lady} suddenly to [her]_{468-my lady} fullest hight . It was the same action which [Robert]_173-robert had seen in [the old half - drunken lieutenant]_{3205-the old half - drunken lieutenant} ; and it had that same dignity — the sublimity of extreme misery . " Go away , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said . " [You]_173-robert are mad , [I]_{468-my lady} tell [you]_173-robert , [you]_173-robert are mad . "_{[468-my lady]} " [I]_173-robert am going , [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[173-robert] answered [Robert]_173-robert , quietly . " [I]_173-robert would have condoned [your]_173-robert crimes out of pity to [[your]_173-robert wretcheness]_{7107-your wretcheness} . [You]_173-robert have refused to accept [my]_173-robert mercy . [I]_173-robert wished to have pity upon [the living]_{6022-the living} . [I]_173-robert shall henceforth only remember [my]_173-robert duty to the dead . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert walked away from [the lonely well under the shadow of the limes]_{3206-the lonely well under the shadow of the limes} . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} followed [him]_173-robert slowly down [that long , gloomy avenue]_{3208-that long , gloomy avenue} , and across [the rustic bridge]_{3209-the rustic bridge} to the iron gate . As [he]_173-robert passed through the gate , [Alicia]_190-alicia came out of a little half - glass door that opened from an oak - paneled breakfast - room at one angle of [the house]_{388-the house} , and met [[her]_190-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} upon the threshold of the gateway . " [I]_190-alicia have been looking for [you]_{667-the young man} everywhere , [Robert]_173-robert , "_[190-alicia] [she]_190-alicia said . " [Papa]_188-papa has come down to [the library]_{5301-the library} , and will be glad to see [you]_{667-the young man} . "_[190-alicia] [The young man]_{667-the young man} started at the sound of [[his]_{667-the young man} cousin]_{786-his cousin} 's fresh young voice . " Good Heaven ! "_{[667-the young man]} [he]_{667-the young man} thought , " can [these two women]_{7110-these two women} be of the same clay ? Can [this frank , generous - hearted girl , who can not conceal any impulse of [her]_{7111-this frank , generous - hearted girl , who can not conceal any impulse of her innocent nature , be of the same flesh and blood as that wretched creature whose shadow falls upon the path beside me} innocent nature , be of the same flesh and blood as that wretched creature whose shadow falls upon the path beside [me]_{667-the young man}]_{7111-this frank , generous - hearted girl , who can not conceal any impulse of her innocent nature , be of the same flesh and blood as that wretched creature whose shadow falls upon the path beside me} ! "_{[667-the young man]} [He]_{667-the young man} looked from [[his]_{667-the young man} cousin]_{786-his cousin} to [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , who stood near the gateway , waiting for [him]_{667-the young man} to stand aside and let [her]_{150-lady audley} pass [him]_{667-the young man} . " [I]_{468-my lady} do n't know what has come to [[your]_{667-the young man} cousin]_{5648-your cousin} , [[my]_{468-my lady} dear]_{4626-my dear} [Alicia]_190-alicia , "_{[468-my lady]} said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . " [He]_{5648-your cousin} is so absent - minded and eccentric as to be quite beyond [my]_{468-my lady} comprehension . "_{[468-my lady]} " Indeed , "_[149-alicia] exclaimed [Miss Audley]_149-alicia ; " and yet [I]_149-alicia should imagine , from the length of [your]_{667-the young man} tête - a - tête , that [you]_{667-the young man} had made some effort to understand [him]_{5648-your cousin} . "_[149-alicia] " Oh , yes , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , quietly , " [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} and [I]_173-robert understand [each other]_{4890-each other} very well ; but as it is growing late [I]_173-robert will wish [you]_{468-my lady} good - evening , [ladies]_5997-ladies . [I]_173-robert shall sleep to - night at [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} , as [I]_173-robert have some business to attend to up there , and [I]_173-robert will come down and see [[my]_173-robert uncle]_{991-my uncle} to - morrow . "_[173-robert] " What , [Robert]_173-robert , "_[149-alicia] cried [Alicia]_149-alicia , " [you]_173-robert surely wo n't go away without seeing [papa]_1002-papa ? "_[149-alicia] " Yes , [[my]_{667-the young man} dear]_{4626-my dear} , "_{[667-the young man]} answered [the young man]_{667-the young man} . " [I]_{667-the young man} am a little disturbed by some disagreeable business in which [I]_{667-the young man} am very much concerned , and [I]_{667-the young man} would rather not see [[my]_{667-the young man} uncle]_{991-my uncle} . Good - night , [Alicia]_149-alicia . [I]_{667-the young man} will come or write to - morrow . "_{[667-the young man]} [He]_{667-the young man} pressed [[his]_{667-the young man} cousin]_{786-his cousin} 's hand , bowed to [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , and walked away under the black shadows of the archway , and out into [the quiet avenue beyond [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{3218-the quiet avenue beyond the court} . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} and [Alicia]_149-alicia stood watching [him]_{667-the young man} until [he]_{667-the young man} was out of sight . " What in goodness ' name is the matter with [[my]_149-alicia Cousin]_{986-my cousin} [Robert]_173-robert ? "_[149-alicia] exclaimed [Miss Audley]_149-alicia , impatiently , as [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} disappeared . " What does [he]_173-robert mean by these absurd goings - on ? Some disagreeable business that disturbs [him]_173-robert , indeed ! [I]_149-alicia suppose [the unhappy creature]_{7122-the unhappy creature} has had a brief forced upon [him]_173-robert by [some evil - starred attorney]_{7123-some evil - starred attorney} , and is sinking into a state of imbecility from a dim consciousness of [his]_173-robert own incompetence . "_[149-alicia] " Have [you]_149-alicia ever studied [[your]_0-i cousin]_{5648-your cousin} 's character , [Alicia]_149-alicia ? "_{[468-my lady]} asked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , very seriously , after a pause . " Studied [his]_173-robert character ! No , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . Why should [I]_149-alicia study [his]_173-robert character ? "_[149-alicia] said [Alicia]_149-alicia . " There is very little study required to convince [anybody]_706-anybody that [he]_173-robert is [a lazy , selfish Sybarite , who cares for nothing in [the world]_{519-the world} except [his]_173-robert own ease and comfort]_{7126-a lazy , selfish sybarite , who cares for nothing in the world except his own ease and comfort} . "_[149-alicia] " But have [you]_149-alicia never thought [him]_173-robert eccentric ? "_{[468-my lady]} " Eccentric ! "_[149-alicia] repeated [Alicia]_149-alicia , pursing up [her]_149-alicia red lips and shrugging up [her]_149-alicia shoulders . " Well , yes — [I]_149-alicia believe that is the excuse generally made for [such people]_{7128-such people} . [I]_149-alicia suppose [Bob]_174-bob is eccentric . "_[149-alicia] " [I]_{468-my lady} have never heard [you]_149-alicia speak of [[his]_173-robert father]_{709-his father} and [mother]_7130-mother , "_{[468-my lady]} said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , thoughtfully . " Do [you]_149-alicia remember [them]_7131-them ? "_{[468-my lady]} " [I]_149-alicia never saw [[his]_173-robert mother]_{533-his mother} . [She]_{533-his mother} was [a Miss Dalrymple , [a very dashing girl]_{7134-a very dashing girl} , who ran away with [[my]_149-alicia uncle]_{991-my uncle} , and lost a very handsome fortune in consequence]_{7133-a miss dalrymple , a very dashing girl , who ran away with my uncle , and lost a very handsome fortune in consequence} . [She]_{533-his mother} died at [Nice]_108-nice when poor [Bob]_174-bob was five years old . "_[149-alicia] " Did [you]_149-alicia ever hear anything particular about [her]_{533-his mother} ? "_[149-alicia] " How do [you]_149-alicia mean ' particular ? ' "_[149-alicia] asked [Alicia]_149-alicia . " Did [you]_149-alicia ever hear that [she]_{533-his mother} was eccentric — what [people]_572-people call ' odd ? ' "_[149-alicia] " Oh , no , "_[149-alicia] said [Alicia]_149-alicia , laughing . " [[My]_149-alicia aunt]_{1040-my aunt} was [a very reasonable woman]_{7138-a very reasonable woman} , [I]_149-alicia believe , though [she]_{533-his mother} did marry for love . But [you]_149-alicia must remember that [she]_{533-his mother} died before [I]_149-alicia was born , and [I]_149-alicia have not , therefore , felt very much curiosity about [her]_{533-his mother} . "_[149-alicia] " But [you]_149-alicia recollect [[your]_149-alicia uncle]_{1016-your uncle} , [I]_149-alicia suppose . "_[149-alicia] " [[My]_149-alicia Uncle]_{991-my uncle} [Robert]_173-robert ? "_[149-alicia] said [Alicia]_149-alicia . " Oh , yes , [I]_149-alicia remember [him]_173-robert very well , indeed . "_[149-alicia] " Was [he]_173-robert eccentric — [I]_149-alicia mean to say , peculiar in [his]_173-robert habits , like [[your]_149-alicia cousin]_{5648-your cousin} ? "_[149-alicia] " Yes , [I]_149-alicia believe [Robert]_173-robert inherits all [his]_173-robert absurdities from [[his]_173-robert father]_{709-his father} . [[My]_149-alicia uncle]_{991-my uncle} expressed the same indifference for [his]_173-robert fellow - creatures as [[my]_149-alicia cousin]_{986-my cousin} , but as [he]_173-robert was [a good husband]_{7145-a good husband} , [an affectionate father]_{7146-an affectionate father} , and [a kind master]_{7147-a kind master} , [nobody]_566-nobody ever challenged [his]_173-robert opinions . "_[149-alicia] " But [he]_173-robert was eccentric ? "_[149-alicia] " Yes ; [I]_149-alicia suppose [he]_173-robert was generally thought a little eccentric . "_[149-alicia] " Ah , "_{[468-my lady]} said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , gravely , " [I]_{468-my lady} thought as much . Do [you]_0-i know , [Alicia]_149-alicia , that madness is more often transmitted from [father]_2462-father to [daughter]_{1473-daughter} , and from [mother]_7130-mother to [daughter]_{1473-daughter} than from [mother]_7130-mother to [son]_2463-son ? [[Your]_149-alicia cousin]_{5648-your cousin} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert , is [a very handsome young man]_{7156-a very handsome young man} , and [I]_{468-my lady} believe , [a very good - hearted young man]_{7157-a very good - hearted young man} , but [he]_{5648-your cousin} must be watched , [Alicia]_149-alicia , for [he]_{5648-your cousin} is mad ! "_{[468-my lady]} " Mad ! "_[149-alicia] cried [Miss Audley]_149-alicia , indignantly ; " [you]_0-i are dreaming , [[my]_{5100-the young lady} lady]_{468-my lady} , or — or — [you]_0-i are trying to frighten [me]_{5100-the young lady} , "_{[5100-the young lady]} added [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} , with considerable alarm . " [I]_{468-my lady} only wish to put [you]_0-i on [your]_0-i guard , [Alicia]_149-alicia , "_{[468-my lady]} answered [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert may be as [you]_0-i say , merely eccentric ; but [he]_173-robert has talked to [me]_{468-my lady} this evening in a manner that has filled [me]_{468-my lady} with absolute terror , and [I]_{468-my lady} believe that [he]_173-robert is going mad . [I]_{468-my lady} shall speak very seriously to [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} this very night . "_{[468-my lady]} " Speak to [papa]_1002-papa , "_[149-alicia] exclaimed [Alicia]_149-alicia ; " [you]_1002-papa surely wo n't distress [papa]_1002-papa by suggesting such a possibility ! "_[149-alicia] " [I]_{468-my lady} shall only put [him]_173-robert on [his]_173-robert guard , [[my]_{468-my lady} dear]_{4626-my dear} [Alicia]_149-alicia . "_{[468-my lady]} " But [he]_173-robert 'll never believe [you]_{468-my lady} , "_[149-alicia] said [Miss Audley]_149-alicia ; " [he]_173-robert will laugh at such an idea . "_[149-alicia] " No , [Alicia]_149-alicia ; [he]_173-robert will believe anything that [I]_{468-my lady} tell [him]_173-robert , "_{[468-my lady]} answered [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , with a quiet smile . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} went from [the garden]_{452-the garden} to [the library]_{5301-the library} , [a pleasant , oak - paneled , homely apartment in which [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael}]_{3230-a pleasant , oak - paneled , homely apartment in which sir michael} liked to sit reading or writing , or arranging the business of [[his]_{146-sir michael} estate]_{3231-his estate} with [[his]_{146-sir michael} steward]_{3232-his steward} , [a stalwart countryman]_{3233-a stalwart countryman} , half agriculturalist , [half lawyer , who rented [a small farm a few miles from [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{3235-a small farm a few miles from the court}]_{3234-half lawyer , who rented a small farm a few miles from the court} . [The baronet]_{465-the baronet} was seated in a capacious easy - chair near the hearth . The bright blaze of the fire rose and fell , flashing now upon the polished carvings of the black - oak bookcase , now upon the gold and scarlet bindings of the books ; sometimes glimmering upon the Athenian helmet of a marble Pallas , sometimes lighting up the forehead of [Sir Robert Peel]_{301-sir robert peel} . The lamp upon the reading - table had not yet been lighted , and [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} sat in the firelight waiting for the coming of [[his]_{146-sir michael} young wife]_{5117-his young wife} . It is impossible for [me]_0-i ever to tell the purity of [his]_{146-sir michael} generous love — it is impossible to describe that affection which was as tender as the love of [a young mother]_{3239-a young mother} for [her]_{3239-a young mother} first born , as brave and chivalrous as the heroic passion of [a Bayard]_{302-a bayard} for [[his]_{146-sir michael} liege mistress]_{3240-his liege mistress} . The door opened while [he]_{146-sir michael} was thinking of [this fondly - loved wife]_{3241-this fondly - loved wife} , and looking up , [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} saw [the slender form standing in the doorway]_{3243-the slender form standing in the doorway} . " Why , [[my]_{146-sir michael} darling]_{4709-my darling} ! "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} exclaimed , as [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} closed the door behind [her]_{468-my lady} , and came toward [his]_{146-sir michael} chair , " [I]_{146-sir michael} have been thinking of [you]_{4709-my darling} and waiting for [you]_{4709-my darling} for an hour . Where have [you]_{4709-my darling} been , and what have [you]_{4709-my darling} been doing ? "_{[146-sir michael]} [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , standing in the shadow rather than the light , paused a few moments before replying to this question . " [I]_{468-my lady} have been to [Chelmsford]_{38-chelmsford} , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said , " shopping ; and — "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} hesitated — twisting [her]_{468-my lady} bonnet strings in [her]_{468-my lady} thin white fingers with an air of pretty embarrassment . " And what , [[my]_{468-my lady} dear]_{4626-my dear} ? "_{[468-my lady]} asked the baronet—"what have [you]_{4709-my darling} been doing since [you]_{4709-my darling} came from [Chelmsford]_{38-chelmsford} ? [I]_{468-my lady} heard [a carriage]_{5365-a carriage} stop at the door an hour ago . It was [yours]_{4709-my darling} , was it not ? "_{[468-my lady]} " Yes , [I]_{468-my lady} came [home]_479-home an hour ago , "_{[468-my lady]} answered [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , with the same air of embarrassment . " And what have [you]_{4709-my darling} been doing since [you]_{4709-my darling} came [home]_479-home ? "_{[468-my lady]} [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} asked this question with a slightly reproachful accent . [[His]_{146-sir michael} young wife]_{5117-his young wife} 's presence made the sunshine of [his]_{146-sir michael} life ; and though [he]_{146-sir michael} could not bear to chain [her]_{5117-his young wife} to [his]_{146-sir michael} side , it grieved [him]_{146-sir michael} to think that [she]_{5117-his young wife} could willingly remain unnecessarily absent from [him]_{146-sir michael} , frittering away [her]_{5117-his young wife} time in some childish talk or frivolous occupation . " What have [you]_{5117-his young wife} been doing since [you]_{5117-his young wife} came [home]_479-home , [[my]_{146-sir michael} dear]_{4626-my dear} ? "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} repeated . " What has kept [you]_{5117-his young wife} so long away from [me]_{146-sir michael} ? "_{[146-sir michael]} " [I]_{5117-his young wife} have been — talking — to — [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert . "_{[5117-his young wife]} [She]_{5117-his young wife} still twisted [her]_{5117-his young wife} bonnet - string round and round [her]_{5117-his young wife} fingers . [She]_{5117-his young wife} still spoke with the same air of embarrassment . " [Robert]_173-robert ! "_{[465-the baronet]} exclaimed [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} ; " is [Robert]_173-robert here ? "_{[465-the baronet]} " [He]_173-robert was [here]_4776-here a little while ago . "_{[146-sir michael]} " And is here still , [I]_{5117-his young wife} suppose ? "_{[5117-his young wife]} " No , [he]_173-robert has gone away . "_{[465-the baronet]} " Gone away ! "_{[146-sir michael]} cried [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} . " What do [you]_{5117-his young wife} mean , [[my]_{146-sir michael} darling]_{4709-my darling} ? "_{[146-sir michael]} " [I]_{465-the baronet} mean that [[your]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5819-your nephew} came to [the Court]_{373-the court} this afternoon . [Alicia]_149-alicia and [I]_{465-the baronet} found [him]_{5819-your nephew} idling about [the gardens]_{414-the gardens} . [He]_{5819-your nephew} stayed [here]_4776-here till about a quarter of an hour ago talking to [me]_{465-the baronet} , and then [he]_{5819-your nephew} hurried off without a word of explanation ; except , indeed , some ridiculous excuse about business at [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} . "_{[465-the baronet]} " Business at [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} ! Why , what business can [he]_{5819-your nephew} possibly have in [that out - of - [the - way place]_{7176-the - way place}]_{7175-that out - of - the - way place} ? [He]_{5819-your nephew} has gone to sleep at [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} , then , [I]_{146-sir michael} suppose ? "_{[146-sir michael]} Yes ; [I]_0-i think [he]_3249-he said something to that effect . " "_[3249-he] Upon [my]_0-i word , " exclaimed [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} , "_[3249-he] [I]_0-i think [that boy]_{3250-that boy} is half mad . " [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's face was so much in shadow , that [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} was unaware of the bright change that came over its sickly pallor as [he]_{146-sir michael} made this very commonplace observation . A triumphant smile illuminated [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy 's countenance , a smile that plainly said , "_[0-i] It is coming — it is coming ; [I]_0-i can twist [him]_{3250-that boy} which way [I]_0-i like . [I]_0-i can put black before [him]_{3250-that boy} , and if [I]_0-i say it is white , [he]_{3250-that boy} will believe [me]_0-i . " But [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} in declaring that [[his]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} 's wits were disordered , merely uttered that commonplace ejaculation which is well - known to have very little meaning . [The baronet]_{465-the baronet} had , it is true , no very great estimate of [Robert]_173-robert 's faculty for the business of this everyday life . [He]_{146-sir michael} was in the habit of looking upon [[his]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} as a good - natured nonentity — [a man whose heart had been amply stocked by liberal Nature with all the best things [the generous goddess had to bestow , but whose brain had been somewhat overlooked in the distribution of intellectual gifts]_{7183-the generous goddess had to bestow , but whose brain had been somewhat overlooked in the distribution of intellectual gifts}]_{7182-a man whose heart had been amply stocked by liberal nature with all the best things the generous goddess had to bestow , but whose brain had been somewhat overlooked in the distribution of intellectual gifts} . [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} made that mistake which is very commonly made by [easy - going , well - to - do - observers , who have no occasion to look below the surface]_{7184-easy - going , well - to - do - observers , who have no occasion to look below the surface} . [He]_{146-sir michael} mistook laziness for incapacity . [He]_{146-sir michael} thought because [[his]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} was idle , [he]_{146-sir michael} must necessarily be stupid . [He]_{146-sir michael} concluded that if [Robert]_173-robert did not distinguish [himself]_173-robert , it was because [he]_173-robert could not . [He]_{146-sir michael} forgot [the mute inglorious Miltons , who die voiceless and inarticulate for want of that dogged perseverance]_{7186-the mute inglorious miltons , who die voiceless and inarticulate for want of that dogged perseverance} , that blind courage , which [the poet]_{2054-the poet} must possess before [he]_{2054-the poet} can find a publisher ; [he]_{146-sir michael} forgot [the Cromwells]_{303-the cromwells} , who see [the noble vessels of the state floundering upon a sea of confusion , and going down in a tempest of noisy bewilderment , and who yet are powerless to get at the helm]_{7188-the noble vessels of the state floundering upon a sea of confusion , and going down in a tempest of noisy bewilderment , and who yet are powerless to get at the helm} ; forbidden even to send out [a life - boat]_{7189-a life - boat} to [the sinking ship]_{7190-the sinking ship} . Surely it is a mistake to judge of what [a man]_{445-a man} can do by that which [he]_{445-a man} has done . [The world]_{519-the world} 's [Valhalla]_109-valhalla is [a close borough]_{7193-a close borough} , and perhaps [the greatest men]_{7194-the greatest men} may be those who perish silently far away from the sacred portal . Perhaps the purest and brightest spirits are those who shrink from the turmoil of the race - course — the tumult and confusion of the struggle . The game of life is something like the game of écarte , and it may be that the very best cards are sometimes left in the pack . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} threw off [her]_{468-my lady} bonnet , and seated [herself]_{468-my lady} upon a velvet - covered footstool at [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's feet . There was nothing studied or affected in this girlish action . It was so natural to [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy to be childish , that [no one]_{507-no one} would have wished to see [her]_197-lucy otherwise . It would have seemed as foolish to expect dignified reserve or womanly gravity from [this amber - haired siren]_{7197-this amber - haired siren} , as to wish for rich basses amid the clear treble of a sky - lark 's song . [She]_197-lucy sat with [her]_197-lucy pale face turned away from the firelight , and with [her]_197-lucy hands locked together upon the arm of [[her]_197-lucy husband]_{469-her husband} 's easy - chair . [They]_7199-they were very restless , these slender white hands . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} twisted the jeweled fingers in and out of each other as [she]_{468-my lady} talked to [[her]_197-lucy husband]_{469-her husband} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i wanted to come to [you]_3251-you , [you]_3251-you know , [dear]_5809-dear , " said she—"I_[0-i] wanted to come to [you]_3251-you directly [I]_0-i got [home]_479-home , but [Mr. Audley]_173-robert insisted upon [my]_0-i stopping to talk to [him]_173-robert . " "_[173-robert] But what about , [[my]_0-i love]_{3254-my love} ? " asked [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} . "_[173-robert] What could [Robert]_173-robert have to say to [you]_3251-you ? " [[My]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} did not answer this question . [Her]_{468-my lady} fair head dropped upon [[her]_{468-my lady} husband]_{469-her husband} 's knee , [her]_{468-my lady} rippling , yellow curls fell over [her]_{468-my lady} face . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} lifted that beautiful head with [his]_{146-sir michael} strong hands , and raised [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} 's face . The firelight shining on that pale face lit up the large , soft blue eyes and showed them drowned in tears . "_[173-robert] [Lucy]_197-lucy , [Lucy]_197-lucy ! " cried [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} , "_[197-lucy] what is the meaning of this ? [My]_0-i love , [[my]_0-i love]_{3254-my love} ! what has happened to distress [you]_3251-you in this manner ? " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} tried to speak , but the words died inarticulately upon [her]_{150-lady audley} trembling lips . A choking sensation in [her]_{150-lady audley} throat seemed to strangle those false and plausible words , [her]_{150-lady audley} only armor against [[her]_{150-lady audley} enemies]_{7207-her enemies} . [She]_{150-lady audley} could not speak . The agony [she]_{150-lady audley} had endured silently in the dismal lime - walk had grown too strong for [her]_{150-lady audley} , and [she]_{150-lady audley} broke into a tempest of hysterical sobbing . It was no simulated grief that shook [her]_{150-lady audley} slender frame and tore at [her]_{150-lady audley} like some ravenous beast that would have rent [her]_{150-lady audley} piecemeal with its horrible strength . It was a storm of real anguish and terror , of remorse and misery . It was the one wild outcry , in which [the woman]_{5008-the woman} 's feebler nature got the better of the siren 's art . It was not thus that [she]_{150-lady audley} had meant to fight [her]_{150-lady audley} terrible duel with [Robert Audley]_173-robert . Those were not the weapons which [she]_{150-lady audley} had intended to use ; but perhaps no artifice which [she]_{150-lady audley} could have devised would have served [her]_{150-lady audley} so well as this one outburst of natural grief . It shook [[her]_{150-lady audley} husband]_{469-her husband} to the very soul . It bewildered and terrified [him]_{469-her husband} . It reduced the strong intellect of [the man]_{634-the man} to helpless confusion and perplexity . It struck at the one weak point in [a good man]_{7211-a good man} 's nature . It appealed straight to [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} 's affection for [[his]_{146-sir michael} wife]_{554-his wife} . Ah , Heaven help [a strong man]_{2874-a strong man} 's tender weakness for [the woman [he]_{2874-a strong man} loves]_{7214-the woman he loves} ! Heaven pity [him]_{2874-a strong man} when [the guilty creature]_{7215-the guilty creature} has deceived [him]_{2874-a strong man} and comes with [her]_{7215-the guilty creature} tears and lamentations to throw [herself]_{7215-the guilty creature} at [his]_{2874-a strong man} feet in self - abandonment and remorse ; torturing [him]_{2874-a strong man} with the sight of [her]_{7215-the guilty creature} agony ; rending [his]_{2874-a strong man} heart with [her]_{7215-the guilty creature} sobs , lacerating [his]_{2874-a strong man} breast with [her]_{7215-the guilty creature} groans — multiplying [her]_{7215-the guilty creature} sufferings into a great anguish for [him]_{2874-a strong man} to bear ! multiplying them by twenty - fold ; multiplying [them]_7216-them in a ratio of [a brave man]_{7217-a brave man} 's capacity for endurance . [Heaven]_201-heaven forgive [him]_{2874-a strong man} , if maddened by that cruel agony , the balance wavers for a moment , and [he]_{2874-a strong man} is ready to forgive anything ; ready to take [this wretched one]_{7218-this wretched one} to the shelter of [his]_{2874-a strong man} breast , and to pardon that which the stern voice of manly honor urges must not be pardoned . Pity [him]_{2874-a strong man} , pity [him]_{2874-a strong man} ! [The wife]_{7219-the wife} 's worst remorse when [she]_{7219-the wife} stands without the threshold of [the home]_{7220-the home} [she]_{7219-the wife} may never enter more is not equal to the agony of [the husband who closes the portal on that familiar and entreating face]_{7221-the husband who closes the portal on that familiar and entreating face} . The anguish of [the mother who may never look again upon [[her]_{7219-the wife} children]_{7223-her children} is less than the torment of [the father]_{2066-the father} who has to say to [those little ones]_{7225-those little ones} , "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i darlings]_{3256-my darlings} , [you]_{3256-my darlings} are henceforth motherless]_{7222-the mother who may never look again upon her children is less than the torment of the father who has to say to those little ones , " my darlings , you are henceforth motherless} . " [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} rose from [his]_{146-sir michael} chair , trembling with indignation , and ready to do immediate battle with [the person who had caused [[his]_{146-sir michael} wife]_{554-his wife} 's grief]_{7226-the person who had caused his wife 's grief} . "_[197-lucy] [Lucy]_197-lucy , " [he]_0-i said , "_[197-lucy] [Lucy]_197-lucy , [I]_0-i insist upon [your]_197-lucy telling [me]_0-i what and who has distressed [you]_197-lucy . [I]_0-i insist upon it . Whoever has annoyed [you]_197-lucy shall answer to [me]_0-i for [your]_197-lucy grief . Come , [[my]_0-i love]_{3254-my love} , tell [me]_0-i directly what it is . " [He]_0-i seated [himself]_0-i and bent over the drooping figure at [his]_0-i feet , calming [his]_0-i own agitation in [his]_0-i desire to soothe [[his]_0-i wife]_{554-his wife} 's distress . "_[0-i] Tell [me]_0-i what it is , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} , " [he]_0-i whispered , tenderly . The sharp paroxysm had passed away , and [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} looked up . A glittering light shone through the tears in [her]_{468-my lady} eyes , and the lines about [her]_{468-my lady} pretty rosy mouth , those hard and cruel lines which [Robert Audley]_173-robert had observed in the pre - Raphaelite portrait , were plainly visible in the firelight . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i am very silly , " [she]_{468-my lady} said ; "_[0-i] but really [he]_0-i has made [me]_0-i quite hysterical . " "_[0-i] Who — who has made [you]_0-i hysterical ? " "_{[5819-your nephew]} [[Your]_0-i nephew]_{5819-your nephew} — [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert . " "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert , " cried [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} . "_[173-robert] [Lucy]_197-lucy , what do [you]_0-i mean ? " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i told [you]_0-i that [Mr. Audley]_173-robert insisted upon [my]_0-i going into [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} , [dear]_5809-dear , " said [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert wanted to talk to [me]_0-i , [he]_173-robert said , and [I]_0-i went , and [he]_173-robert said such horrible things that — " "_[173-robert] What horrible things , [Lucy]_197-lucy ? " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} shuddered , and clung with convulsive fingers to the strong hand that had rested caressingly upon [her]_{150-lady audley} shoulder . "_[173-robert] What did [he]_173-robert say , [Lucy]_197-lucy ? " "_[173-robert] Oh , [[my]_0-i dear love]_{3262-my dear love} , how can [I]_0-i tell [you]_{3262-my dear love} ? " cried [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i know that [I]_0-i shall distress [you]_{3262-my dear love} — or [you]_{3262-my dear love} will laugh at [me]_0-i , and then — " "_{[3262-my dear love]} Laugh at [you]_{3262-my dear love} ? no , [Lucy]_197-lucy . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} was silent for a moment . [She]_{150-lady audley} sat looking straight before [her]_{150-lady audley} into the fire , with [her]_{150-lady audley} fingers still locked about [[her]_{150-lady audley} husband]_{469-her husband} 's hand . "_[197-lucy] [[My]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} , " [she]_{150-lady audley} said , slowly , hesitating now and then between [her]_{150-lady audley} words , as if [she]_{150-lady audley} almost shrunk from uttering them , "_[197-lucy] have [you]_{3262-my dear love} ever — [I]_0-i am so afraid of vexing [you]_{3262-my dear love} — have [you]_{3262-my dear love} ever thought [Mr. Audley]_173-robert a little — a little — " "_[173-robert] A little what , [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} ? " "_[173-robert] A little out of [his]_173-robert mind ? " faltered [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_[173-robert] Out of [his]_173-robert mind ! " cried [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} . "_[173-robert] [[My]_0-i dear girl]_{3265-my dear girl} , what are [you]_{3265-my dear girl} thinking of ? " "_{[3265-my dear girl]} [You]_{3265-my dear girl} said just now , [dear]_5809-dear , that [you]_{3265-my dear girl} thought [he]_173-robert was half mad . " "_{[3265-my dear girl]} Did [I]_0-i , [[my]_0-i love]_{3254-my love} ? " said [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} , laughing . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't remember saying it , and it was a mere façon [de parler]_{304-de parler} , that meant nothing whatever . [Robert]_173-robert may be [a little eccentric]_{3268-a little eccentric} — a little stupid , perhaps — [he]_173-robert may n't be overburdened with wits , but [I]_0-i do n't think [he]_173-robert has brains enough for madness . [I]_0-i believe it 's generally [your]_{3265-my dear girl} great intellects that get out of order . " "_[0-i] But madness is sometimes hereditary , " said [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} . "_[173-robert] [Mr. Audley]_173-robert may have inherited — " "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert has inherited no madness from [[[his]_173-robert father]_{709-his father} 's family]_{3270-his father 's family} , " interrupted [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} . "_[173-robert] [The Audleys]_{305-the audleys} have never peopled [private lunatic asylums]_{3271-private lunatic asylums} or fed [mad doctors]_{3272-mad doctors} . " "_[173-robert] Nor from [[[his]_173-robert mother]_{533-his mother} 's family]_{3274-his mother 's family} ? " "_{[3274-his mother 's family]} Not to [my]_0-i knowledge . " "_{[3274-his mother 's family]} [People]_572-people generally keep these things a secret , " said [[my]_572-people lady]_{468-my lady} , gravely . "_[572-people] There may have been madness in [[[your]_0-i sister]_{3276-your sister} - in - law 's family]_{3277-your sister - in - law 's family} . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't think so , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} , " replied [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} . "_[0-i] But , [Lucy]_197-lucy , tell [me]_0-i what , in [Heaven]_201-heaven 's name , has put this idea into [your]_197-lucy head . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have been trying to account for [[your]_0-i nephew]_{5819-your nephew} 's conduct . [I]_0-i can account for it in no other manner . If [you]_197-lucy had heard the things [he]_{5819-your nephew} said to [me]_0-i to - night , [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , [you]_197-lucy too might have thought [him]_{5819-your nephew} mad . " "_{[5819-your nephew]} But what did [he]_{5819-your nephew} say , [Lucy]_197-lucy ? " "_{[5819-your nephew]} [I]_0-i can scarcely tell [you]_197-lucy . [You]_197-lucy can see how much [he]_{5819-your nephew} has stupefied and bewildered [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i believe [he]_{5819-your nephew} has lived too long alone in [those solitary Temple chambers]_{3280-those solitary temple chambers} . Perhaps [he]_{5819-your nephew} reads too much , or smokes too much . [You]_197-lucy know that [some physicians]_{3281-some physicians} declare madness to be a mere illness of the brain — an illness to which any one is subject , and which may be produced by given causes , and cured by given means . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's eyes were still fixed upon the burning coals in the wide grate . [She]_{150-lady audley} spoke as if [she]_{150-lady audley} had been discussing a subject that [she]_{150-lady audley} had often heard discussed before . [She]_{150-lady audley} spoke as if [her]_{150-lady audley} mind had almost wandered away from the thought of [[[her]_{150-lady audley} husband]_{469-her husband} 's nephew]_{7012-her husband 's nephew} to the wider question of madness in the abstract . "_{[3281-some physicians]} Why should [he]_{5819-your nephew} not be mad ? " resumed [[my]_572-people lady]_{468-my lady} . "_[572-people] [People]_572-people are insane for years and years before [their]_572-people insanity is found out . [They]_572-people know that [they]_572-people are mad , but [they]_572-people know how to keep [their]_572-people secret ; and , perhaps , [they]_572-people may sometimes keep it till [they]_572-people die . Sometimes [a paroxysm]_{3283-a paroxysm} seizes [them]_572-people , and in an evil hour [they]_572-people betray [themselves]_572-people . [They]_572-people commit a crime , perhaps . The horrible temptation of opportunity assails [them]_572-people ; the knife is in [their]_572-people hand , and [the unconscious victim]_{3284-the unconscious victim} by [their]_572-people side . [They]_572-people may conquer the restless demon and go away and die innocent of any violent deed ; but [they]_572-people may yield to the horrible temptation — the frightful , passionate , hungry craving for violence and horror . [They]_572-people sometimes yield and are lost . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's voice rose as [she]_{150-lady audley} argued this dreadful question , The hysterical excitement from which [she]_{150-lady audley} had only just recovered had left its effects upon [her]_{150-lady audley} , but [she]_{150-lady audley} controlled [herself]_{150-lady audley} , and [her]_{150-lady audley} tone grew calmer as [she]_{150-lady audley} resumed : "_[572-people] [Robert Audley]_173-robert is mad , " [she]_{150-lady audley} said , decisively . "_[173-robert] What is one of the strangest diagnostics of madness — what is the first appalling sign of mental aberration ? The mind becomes stationary ; the brain stagnates ; the even current of reflection is interrupted ; the thinking power of the brain resolves itself into a monotone . As the waters of [a tideless pool]_{3285-a tideless pool} putrefy by reason of [their]_3286-their stagnation , the mind becomes turbid and corrupt through lack of action ; and the perpetual reflection upon [one subject]_{3287-one subject} resolves itself into monomania . [Robert Audley]_173-robert is [a monomaniac]_{5960-a monomaniac} . The disappearance of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} , [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , grieved and bewildered [him]_173-robert . [He]_173-robert dwelt upon this one idea until [he]_173-robert lost the power of thinking of anything else . The one idea looked at perpetually became distorted to [his]_173-robert mental vision . Repeat the commonest word in the English language twenty times , and before the twentieth repetition [you]_3290-you will have begun to wonder whether the word which [you]_3290-you repeat is really the word [you]_3290-you mean to utter . [Robert Audley]_173-robert has thought of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} 's disappearance until the one idea has done its fatal and unhealthy work . [He]_173-robert looks at a common event with a vision that is diseased , and [he]_173-robert distorts it into a gloomy horror engendered of [his]_173-robert own monomania . If [you]_3290-you do not want to make [me]_0-i as mad as [he]_173-robert is , [you]_3290-you must never let [me]_0-i see [him]_173-robert again . [He]_173-robert declared to - night that [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} was murdered in [this place]_{5298-this place} , and that [he]_173-robert will root up every tree in [the garden]_{452-the garden} , and pull down every brick in [the house]_{388-the house} in search for — " [[My]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} paused . The words died away upon [her]_{468-my lady} lips . [She]_{468-my lady} had exhausted [herself]_{468-my lady} by the strange energy with which [she]_{468-my lady} had spoken . [She]_{468-my lady} had been transformed from a frivolous , childish beauty into [a woman]_{503-a woman} , strong to argue [her]_{468-my lady} own cause and plead [her]_{468-my lady} own defense . "_[173-robert] Pull down [this house]_{6101-this house} ? " cried [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} . "_[173-robert] [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} murdered at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} ! Did [Robert]_173-robert say this , [Lucy]_197-lucy ? " "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert said something of that kind — something that frightened [me]_0-i very much . " "_[173-robert] Then [he]_173-robert must be mad , " said [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , gravely . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i 'm bewildered by what [you]_197-lucy tell [me]_0-i . Did [he]_173-robert really say this , [Lucy]_197-lucy , or did [you]_197-lucy misunderstand [him]_173-robert ? " "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i — [I]_0-i — don't think [I]_0-i did , " faltered [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . "_[0-i] [You]_197-lucy saw how frightened [I]_0-i was when [I]_0-i first came in . [I]_0-i should not have been so much agitated if [he]_173-robert had n't said something horrible . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} had availed [herself]_{150-lady audley} of the very strongest arguments by which [she]_{150-lady audley} could help [her]_{150-lady audley} cause . "_[173-robert] To be sure , [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} , to be sure , " answered [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} . "_[173-robert] What could have put such a horrible fancy into [the unhappy boy]_{3297-the unhappy boy} 's head . [This Mr. Talboys]_157-george — [a perfect stranger to all of [us]_3299-us]_{3298-a perfect stranger to all of us} — murdered at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} ! [I]_0-i 'll go to [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} to - night , and see [Robert]_173-robert . [I]_0-i have known [him]_173-robert ever since [he]_173-robert was [a baby]_{4838-a baby} , and [I]_0-i can not be deceived in [him]_173-robert . If there is really anything wrong , [he]_173-robert will not be able to conceal it from [me]_0-i . " [[My]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} shrugged [her]_{468-my lady} shoulders . "_[173-robert] That is rather an open question , " [she]_{468-my lady} said . "_[173-robert] It is generally [a stranger who is the first to observe any psychological peculiarity]_{3301-a stranger who is the first to observe any psychological peculiarity} . " The big words sounded strange from [[my]_{3301-a stranger who is the first to observe any psychological peculiarity} lady]_{468-my lady} 's rosy lips ; but [her]_{468-my lady} newly - adopted wisdom had a certain quaint prettiness about it , which charmed and bewildered [[her]_{468-my lady} husband]_{469-her husband} . "_{[3301-a stranger who is the first to observe any psychological peculiarity]} But [you]_3302-you must not go to [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} , [[my]_0-i dear darling]_{5955-my dear darling} , " [she]_{468-my lady} said , tenderly . "_[3302-you] Remember that [you]_3302-you are under strict orders to stay in [doors]_3304-doors until the weather is milder , and the sun shines upon [this cruel ice - bound country]_{3305-this cruel ice - bound country} . " [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} sank back in [his]_{146-sir michael} capacious chair with a sigh of resignation . "_[197-lucy] That 's true , [Lucy]_197-lucy , " [he]_{146-sir michael} said ; "_[197-lucy] [we]_3306-we must obey [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} . [I]_0-i suppose [Robert]_173-robert will come to see [me]_0-i to - morrow . " "_[173-robert] Yes , [dear]_5809-dear . [I]_0-i think [he]_173-robert said [he]_173-robert would . " "_[173-robert] Then [we]_3306-we must wait till to - morrow , [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} . [I]_0-i ca n't believe that there really is anything wrong with [the poor boy]_{3309-the poor boy} — [I]_0-i ca n't believe it , [Lucy]_197-lucy . " "_[0-i] Then how do [you]_0-i account for this extraordinary delusion about this [Mr. Talboys]_157-george ? " asked [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} shook [his]_{146-sir michael} head . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i do n't know , [Lucy]_197-lucy — [I]_0-i do n't know , " [he]_0-i answered . "_[0-i] It is always so difficult to believe that any one of the calamities that continually befall [[our]_3306-we fellow - men]_{3310-our fellow - men} will ever happen to [us]_3306-we . [I]_0-i ca n't believe that [[my]_0-i nephew]_{3311-my nephew} 's mind is impaired — [I]_0-i ca n't believe it . [I]_0-i — [I'll]_0-i get [him]_{3311-my nephew} to stop here , [Lucy]_197-lucy , and [I]_0-i 'll watch [him]_{3311-my nephew} closely . [I]_0-i tell [you]_197-lucy , [[my]_0-i love]_{3254-my love} , if there is anything wrong [I]_0-i am sure to find it out . [I]_0-i ca n't be mistaken in [a young man who has always been the same to [me]_0-i as [[my]_0-i own son]_{3314-my own son}]_{3313-a young man who has always been the same to me as my own son} . But , [[my]_0-i darling]_{4709-my darling} , why were [you]_197-lucy so frightened by [Robert]_173-robert 's wild talk ? It could not affect [you]_197-lucy . " [[My]_3316-you lady]_{468-my lady} sighed piteously . "_[3316-you] [You]_3316-you must think [me]_0-i very strong - minded , [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , " [she]_{468-my lady} said , with rather an injured air , "_{[146-sir michael]} if [you]_3316-you imagine [I]_0-i can hear of these sort of things indifferently . [I]_0-i know [I]_0-i shall never be able to see [Mr. Audley]_173-robert again . " "_[173-robert] And [you]_3316-you shall not , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} — [you]_3316-you shall not . " "_[3316-you] [You]_3316-you said just now [you]_3316-you would have [him]_173-robert here , " murmured [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_[3316-you] But [I]_0-i will not , [[my]_0-i darling girl]_{3318-my darling girl} , if [his]_173-robert presence annoys [you]_{3318-my darling girl} . [Good Heaven]_201-heaven ! [Lucy]_197-lucy , can [you]_{3318-my darling girl} imagine for a moment that [I]_0-i have any higher wish than to promote [your]_{3318-my darling girl} happiness ? [I]_0-i will consult [some London physician]_{3319-some london physician} about [Robert]_173-robert , and let [him]_{3319-some london physician} discover if there is really anything the matter with [[my]_0-i poor brother 's only son]_{3320-my poor brother 's only son} . [You]_{3318-my darling girl} shall not be annoyed , [Lucy]_197-lucy . " "_[197-lucy] [You]_{3318-my darling girl} must think [me]_0-i very unkind , [dear]_5809-dear , " said [[my]_{3318-my darling girl} lady]_{468-my lady} , "_{[3318-my darling girl]} and [I]_0-i know [I]_0-i ought not to be annoyed by [the poor fellow]_{5680-the poor fellow} ; but [he]_{5680-the poor fellow} really seems to have taken some absurd notion into [his]_{5680-the poor fellow} head about [me]_0-i . " "_{[5680-the poor fellow]} About [you]_197-lucy , [Lucy]_197-lucy ! " cried [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} . "_[5809-dear] Yes , [dear]_5809-dear . [He]_{5680-the poor fellow} seems to connect [me]_0-i in some vague manner — which [I]_0-i can not quite understand — with the disappearance of [this Mr. Talboys]_157-george . " "_[157-george] Impossible , [Lucy]_197-lucy ! [You]_{3318-my darling girl} must have misunderstood [him]_{5680-the poor fellow} . " "_{[3318-my darling girl]} [I]_0-i do n't think so . " "_{[3318-my darling girl]} Then [he]_{5680-the poor fellow} must be mad , " said [the baronet—"he]_{7251-the baronet—"he[5680-the poor fellow]} must be mad . [I]_0-i will wait till [he]_{5680-the poor fellow} goes back to [town]_864-town , and then send [some one]_{3325-some one} to [[his]_{5680-the poor fellow} chambers]_{4865-his chambers} to talk to [him]_{5680-the poor fellow} . Good Heaven ! what a mysterious business this is . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i fear [I]_0-i have distressed [you]_5809-dear , [darling]_5810-darling , " murmured [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_[0-i] Yes , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} , [I]_0-i am very much distressed by what [you]_5809-dear have told [me]_0-i ; but [you]_5809-dear were quite right to talk to [me]_0-i frankly about this dreadful business . [I]_0-i must think it over , [dearest]_3329-dearest , and try and decide what is best to be done . " [[My]_5809-dear lady]_{468-my lady} rose from the low ottoman on which [she]_{468-my lady} had been seated . The fire had burned down , and there was only a faint glow of red light in [the room]_{595-the room} . [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy bent over [[her]_197-lucy husband]_{469-her husband} 's chair , and put [her]_197-lucy lips to [his]_5809-dear broad forehead . "_[5809-dear] How good [you]_5809-dear have always been to [me]_0-i , [dear]_5809-dear , " [she]_197-lucy whispered softly . "_[5809-dear] [You]_5809-dear would never let [any one]_{5101-any one} influence [you]_5809-dear against [me]_0-i , would [you]_5809-dear , [dear]_5809-dear ? " "_[5809-dear] Influence [me]_0-i against [you]_0-i ? " repeated [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} . "_[5809-dear] No , [[my]_0-i love]_{3254-my love} . " "_[5809-dear] Because [you]_5809-dear know , [dear]_5809-dear , " pursued [[my]_5809-dear lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[5809-dear] there are [wicked people]_{3335-wicked people} as well as [mad people]_{3336-mad people} in [the world]_{519-the world} , and there may be [some persons to whose interest it would be]_{3338-some persons to whose interest it would be} to injure [me]_0-i . " "_[3339-they] [They]_3339-they had better not try it , then , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} , " answered [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} ; "_[3339-they] [they]_3339-they would find [themselves]_3339-they in rather a dangerous position if [they]_3339-they did . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} laughed aloud , with a gay , triumphant , silvery peal of laughter that vibrated through [the quiet room]_{7257-the quiet room} . "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i own dear darling]_{3341-my own dear darling} , " [she]_{150-lady audley} said , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i know [you]_{3341-my own dear darling} love [me]_0-i . And now [I]_0-i must run away , [dear]_5809-dear , for it 's past seven o'clock . [I]_0-i was engaged to dine at [Mrs. Montford]_{306-mrs. montford} 's , but [I]_0-i must send [a groom]_{3343-a groom} with a message of apology , for [Mr. Audley]_173-robert has made [me]_0-i quite unfit for company . [I]_0-i shall stay at [home]_479-home and nurse [you]_5809-dear , [dear]_5809-dear . [You]_5809-dear 'll go to bed very early , wo n't [you]_5809-dear , and take great care of [yourself]_5809-dear ? " "_[5809-dear] Yes , [dear]_5809-dear . " [[My]_5809-dear lady]_{468-my lady} tripped out of [the room]_{595-the room} to give [her]_{468-my lady} orders about the message that was to be carried to [the house at which [she]_{468-my lady} was to have dined]_{7260-the house at which she was to have dined} . [She]_{468-my lady} paused for a moment as [she]_{468-my lady} closed the library door — [she]_{468-my lady} paused , and laid [her]_{468-my lady} hand upon [her]_{468-my lady} breast to check the rapid throbbing of [her]_{468-my lady} heart . "_[5809-dear] [I]_0-i have been afraid of [you]_5809-dear , [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , " [she]_{468-my lady} thought ; "_[0-i] but perhaps the time may come in which [you]_5809-dear will have cause to be afraid of [me]_0-i . " The division between [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} and [[her]_{150-lady audley} step - daughter]_{5225-her step - daughter} had not become any narrower in the two months which had elapsed since the pleasant Christmas holiday time had been kept at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} . There was no open warfare between [the two women]_{1218-the two women} ; there was only an armed neutrality , broken every now and then by brief feminine skirmishes and transient wordy tempests . [I]_5809-dear am sorry to say that [Alicia]_149-alicia would very much have preferred a hearty pitched battle to this silent and undemonstrative disunion ; but it was not very easy to quarrel with [[my]_5809-dear lady]_{468-my lady} . [She]_149-alicia had soft answers for the turning away of wrath . [She]_149-alicia could smile bewitchingly at [[her]_{150-lady audley} step - daughter]_{5225-her step - daughter} 's open petulance , and laugh merrily at [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} 's ill - temper . Perhaps had [she]_149-alicia been less amiable , had [she]_149-alicia been more like [Alicia]_149-alicia in disposition , [the two ladies]_{6529-the two ladies} might have expended [their]_{6529-the two ladies} enmity in one tremendous quarrel , and might ever afterward have been affectionate and friendly . But [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy would not make war . [She]_197-lucy carried forward the sum of [her]_197-lucy dislike , and put it out at a steady rate of interest , until the breach between [[her]_197-lucy step - daughter]_{5225-her step - daughter} and [herself]_197-lucy , widening a little every day , became a great gulf , utterly impassable by olive - branch - bearing doves from either side of [the abyss]_{7268-the abyss} . There can be no reconciliation where there is no open warfare . There must be a battle , a brave , boisterous battle , with pennants waving and cannon roaring , before there can be peaceful treaties and enthusiastic shaking of hands . Perhaps the union between [France]_110-france and [England]_7-england owes its greatest force to the recollection of [Cressy]_307-cressy and [Waterloo]_308-waterloo , [Navarino]_309-navarino and [Trafalgar]_{111-trafalgar} . [We]_7269-we have hated [each other]_{4890-each other} and licked [each other]_{4890-each other} and had it out , as the common phrase goes ; and [we]_7269-we can afford now to fall into [each others]_{7272-each others} ' arms and vow eternal friendship and everlasting brotherhood . Let [us]_7269-we hope that when Northern Yankeedom has decimated and been decimated , blustering [Jonathan]_310-jonathan may fling [himself]_310-jonathan upon [[his]_310-jonathan Southern brother]_{7273-his southern brother} 's breast , forgiving and forgiven . [Alicia Audley]_149-alicia and [[her]_149-alicia father 's pretty wife]_{7274-her father 's pretty wife} had plenty of room for the comfortable indulgence of [their]_7269-we dislike in [the spacious old mansion]_{7275-the spacious old mansion} . [[My]_5809-dear lady]_{468-my lady} had [[her]_{468-my lady} own apartments]_{1788-her own apartments} , as [we]_7269-we know — [luxurious chambers , in which all conceivable elegancies had been gathered for the comfort of [[their]_7269-we occupant]_{7279-their occupant}]_{7278-luxurious chambers , in which all conceivable elegancies had been gathered for the comfort of their occupant} . [Alicia]_149-alicia had [[her]_149-alicia own rooms]_{1213-her own rooms} in [another part of [the large house]_{7282-the large house}]_{7281-another part of the large house} . [She]_149-alicia had [her]_149-alicia favorite mare , [her]_149-alicia Newfoundland dog , and [her]_149-alicia drawing materials , and [she]_149-alicia made [herself]_149-alicia tolerably happy . [She]_149-alicia was not very happy , [this frank , generous - hearted girl]_{7283-this frank , generous - hearted girl} , for it was scarcely possible that [she]_149-alicia could be altogether at ease in the constrained atmosphere of [the Court]_{373-the court} . [[Her]_149-alicia father]_{481-her father} was changed ; [that dear father over whom [she]_149-alicia had once reigned supreme with the boundless authority of [a spoiled child]_{7287-a spoiled child}]_{7286-that dear father over whom she had once reigned supreme with the boundless authority of a spoiled child} , had accepted [another ruler]_{7288-another ruler} and submitted to [a new dynasty]_{7289-a new dynasty} . Little by little [[my]_5809-dear lady]_{468-my lady} 's petty power made itself felt in [that narrow household]_{7291-that narrow household} ; and [Alicia]_149-alicia saw [[her]_149-alicia father]_{481-her father} gradually lured across the gulf that divided [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} from [[her]_{150-lady audley} step - daughter]_{5225-her step - daughter} , until [he]_{481-her father} stood at last quite upon the other side of [the abyss]_{7268-the abyss} , and looked coldly upon [[his]_{481-her father} only child]_{4702-his only child} across that widening chasm . [Alicia]_149-alicia felt that [he]_{481-her father} was lost to [her]_149-alicia . [[My]_5809-dear lady]_{468-my lady} 's beaming smiles , [[my]_5809-dear lady]_{468-my lady} 's winning words , [[my]_5809-dear lady]_{468-my lady} 's radiant glances and bewitching graces had done [their]_7299-their work of enchantment , and [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} had grown to look upon [[his]_{146-sir michael} daughter]_{556-his daughter} as [a somewhat wilful and capricious young person who had behaved with determined unkindness to [the wife [he]_{146-sir michael} loved]_{7302-the wife he loved}]_{7301-a somewhat wilful and capricious young person who had behaved with determined unkindness to the wife he loved} . [Poor Alicia]_190-alicia saw all this , and bore [her]_190-alicia burden as well as [she]_190-alicia could . It seemed very hard to be [a handsome , gray - eyed heiress]_{7303-a handsome , gray - eyed heiress} , with dogs and horses and [servants]_{7304-servants} at [her]_190-alicia command , and yet to be so much alone in [the world]_{519-the world} as to know of not one friendly ear into which [she]_190-alicia might pour [her]_190-alicia sorrows . "_[5809-dear] If [Bob]_174-bob was good for anything [I]_0-i could have told [him]_174-bob how unhappy [I]_0-i am , " thought [Miss Audley]_149-alicia ; "_[0-i] but [I]_0-i may just as well tell [Caesar]_196-caesar [my]_0-i troubles for any consolation [I]_0-i should get from [Cousin Robert]_{311-cousin robert} . " [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} obeyed [[his]_{146-sir michael} pretty nurse]_{7306-his pretty nurse} , and went to bed a little after nine o'clock upon this bleak March evening . Perhaps [[the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's bedroom]_{7308-the baronet 's bedroom} was about the pleasantést retreat that [an invalid]_{7309-an invalid} could have chosen in such cold and cheerless weather . The dark - green velvet curtains were drawn before the windows and about the ponderous bed . The wood fire burned redly upon the broad hearth . The reading lamp was lighted upon a delicious little table close to [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's pillow , and a heap of magazines and newspapers had been arranged by [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's own fair hands for the pleasure of [the invalid]_{7311-the invalid} . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} sat by the bedside for about ten minutes , talking to [[her]_{150-lady audley} husband]_{469-her husband} , talking very seriously , about this strange and awful question — [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's lunacy ; but at the end of that time [she]_{150-lady audley} rose and bade [[her]_{150-lady audley} husband]_{469-her husband} good - night . [She]_{150-lady audley} lowered the green silk shade before the reading lamp , adjusting it carefully for the repose of [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's eyes . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i shall leave [you]_3347-my , [dear]_5809-dear , " [she]_{150-lady audley} said . "_[0-i] If [you]_3347-my can sleep , so much the better . If [you]_3347-my wish to read , the books and papers are close to [you]_3347-my . [I]_0-i will leave the doors between [the rooms]_{803-the rooms} open , and [I]_0-i shall hear [your]_3347-my voice if [you]_3347-my call [me]_0-i . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} went through [[her]_{150-lady audley} dressing - room]_{5211-her dressing - room} into [the boudoir]_{5330-the boudoir} , where [she]_{150-lady audley} had sat with [[her]_{150-lady audley} husband]_{469-her husband} since dinner . Every evidence of womanly refinement was visible in [the elegant chamber]_{7318-the elegant chamber} . [[My]_3347-my lady]_{468-my lady} 's piano was open , covered with scattered sheets of music and exquisitely - bound collections of scenas and fantasias which [no master]_{7320-no master} need have disdained to study . [[My]_3347-my lady]_{468-my lady} 's easel stood near the window , bearing witness to [[my]_3347-my lady]_{468-my lady} 's artistic talent , in the shape of a water - colored sketch of [the Court and gardens]_{7323-the court and gardens} . [[My]_3347-my lady]_{468-my lady} 's fairy - like embroideries of lace and muslin , rainbow - hued silks , and delicately - tinted wools littered [the luxurious apartment]_{7325-the luxurious apartment} ; while the looking - glasses , cunningly placed at angles and opposite corners by [an artistic upholsterer]_{7326-an artistic upholsterer} , multiplied [[my]_3347-my lady]_{468-my lady} 's image , and in that image reflected the most beautiful object in [the enchanted chamber]_{7328-the enchanted chamber} . Amid all this lamplight , gilding , color , wealth , and beauty , [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy sat down on a low seat by the fire to think . If [Mr. Holman Hunt]_{312-mr. holman hunt} could have peeped into [the pretty boudoir]_{7329-the pretty boudoir} , [I]_3347-my think the picture would have been photographed upon [his]_{312-mr. holman hunt} brain to be reproduced by - and - by upon [a bishop]_{7330-a bishop} 's half - length for the glorification of [the pre - Raphaelite brotherhood]_{5339-the pre - raphaelite brotherhood} . [[My]_3347-my lady]_{468-my lady} in that half - recumbent attitude , with [her]_{468-my lady} elbow resting on one knee , and [her]_{468-my lady} perfect chin supported by [her]_{468-my lady} hand , the rich folds of drapery falling away in long undulating lines from the exquisite outline of [her]_{468-my lady} figure , and the luminous , rose - colored firelight enveloping [her]_{468-my lady} in a soft haze , only broken by the golden glitter of [her]_{468-my lady} yellow hair — beautiful in [herself]_{468-my lady} , but made bewilderingly beautiful by the gorgeous surroundings which adorn the shrine of [her]_{468-my lady} loveliness . Drinking - cups of gold and ivory , chiseled by [Benvenuto Cellini]_{313-benvenuto cellini} ; cabinets of buhl and porcelain , bearing the cipher of [Austrian Marie - Antoinette]_{314-austrian marie - antoinette} , amid devices of rosebuds and [true - lovers]_{7333-true - lovers} ' knots , birds and butterflies , cupidons and [shepherdesses]_{7334-shepherdesses} , [goddesses]_{7335-goddesses} , [courtiers]_{7336-courtiers} , [cottagers]_{7337-cottagers} , and [milkmaids]_{7338-milkmaids} ; statuettes of Parian marble and biscuit china ; gilded baskets of hothouse flowers ; fantastical caskets of Indian filigree - work ; fragile tea - cups of turquoise china , adorned by medallion miniatures of [Louis the Great]_{315-louis the great} and [Louis]_{315-louis the great} the Well - beloved , [Louise de la Valliere]_{316-louise de la valliere} , [Athenais de Montespan]_{317-athenais de montespan} , and [Marie Jeanne Gomard de Vaubernier]_{318-marie jeanne gomard de vaubernier} : cabinet pictures and gilded mirrors , shimmering satin and diaphanous lace ; all that gold can buy or art devise had been gathered together for the beautification of [this quiet chamber in which [[my]_3347-my lady]_{468-my lady}]_{7339-this quiet chamber in which my lady} sat listening to the mourning of the shrill March wind , and the flapping of the ivy leaves against the casements , and looking into the red chasms in the burning coals . [I]_3347-my should be preaching a very stale sermon , and harping upon a very familiar moral , if [I]_3347-my were to seize this opportunity of declaiming against art and beauty , because [[my]_3347-my lady]_{468-my lady} was more wretched in [this elegant apartment]_{7342-this elegant apartment} than [many a half - starved seamstress in [her]_{468-my lady} dreary garret]_{7343-many a half - starved seamstress in her dreary garret} . [She]_{468-my lady} was wretched by reason of a wound which lay too deep for the possibility of any solace from such plasters as wealth and luxury ; but [her]_{468-my lady} wretchedness was of an abnormal nature , and [I]_3347-my can see no occasion for seizing upon the fact of [her]_{468-my lady} misery as an argument in favor of poverty and discomfort as opposed to opulence . [The Benvenuto Cellini]_{313-benvenuto cellini} carvings and the Sevres porcelain could not give [her]_{468-my lady} happiness , because [she]_{468-my lady} had passed out of [[their]_7344-them region]_{7345-their region} . [She]_{468-my lady} was no longer innocent ; and the pleasure [we]_7346-we take in art and loveliness being an innocent pleasure , had passed beyond [her]_{468-my lady} reach . Six or seven years before , [she]_{468-my lady} would have been happy in [the possession of [this little Aladdin 's palace]_{7348-this little aladdin 's palace}]_{7347-the possession of this little aladdin 's palace} ; but [she]_{468-my lady} had wandered out of the circle of [careless , pleasure seeking creatures]_{7349-careless , pleasure seeking creatures} , [she]_{468-my lady} had strayed far away into a desolate labyrinth of guilt and treachery , terror and crime , and all the treasures that had been collected for [her]_{468-my lady} could have given [her]_{468-my lady} no pleasure but one , the pleasure of flinging them into a heap beneath [her]_{468-my lady} feet and trampling upon [them]_7344-them and destroying [them]_7344-them in [her]_{468-my lady} cruel despair . There were some things that would have inspired [her]_{468-my lady} with an awful joy , a horrible rejoicing . If [Robert Audley]_173-robert , [[her]_{468-my lady} pitiless enemy]_{7350-her pitiless enemy} , [[her]_{468-my lady} unrelenting pursuer]_{7351-her unrelenting pursuer} , had lain dead in [the adjoining chamber]_{7352-the adjoining chamber} , [she]_{468-my lady} would have exulted over [his]_173-robert bier . What pleasures could have remained for [Lucretia Borgia]_{319-lucretia borgia} and [Catharine de Medici]_{320-catharine de medici} , when the dreadful boundary line between innocence and guilt was passed , and [the lost creatures]_{7353-the lost creatures} stood upon the lonely outer side ? Only horrible , vengeful joys , and treacherous delights were left for [these miserable women]_{7354-these miserable women} . With what disdainful bitterness [they]_{7354-these miserable women} must have watched the frivolous vanities , the petty deceptions , the paltry sins of [ordinary offenders]_{7355-ordinary offenders} . Perhaps [they]_{7354-these miserable women} took a horrible pride in the enormity of [their]_{7354-these miserable women} wickedness ; in this "_[3347-my] Divinity of Hell , " which made [them]_{7354-these miserable women} greatest among [sinful creatures]_{7356-sinful creatures} . [[My]_3347-my lady]_{468-my lady} , brooding by the fire in [[her]_{468-my lady} lonely chamber]_{7358-her lonely chamber} , with [her]_{468-my lady} large , clear blue eyes fixed upon the yawning gulfs of lurid crimson in the burning coals , may have thought of many things very far away from the terribly silent struggle in which [she]_{468-my lady} was engaged . [She]_{468-my lady} may have thought of long - ago years of childish innocence , childish follies and selfishness , of frivolous , feminine sins that had weighed very lightly upon [her]_{468-my lady} conscience . Perhaps in that retrospective revery [she]_{468-my lady} recalled that early time in which [she]_{468-my lady} had first looked in the glass and discovered that [she]_{468-my lady} was beautiful ; that fatal early time in which [she]_{468-my lady} had first begun to look upon [her]_{468-my lady} loveliness as a right divine , a boundless possession which was to be a set - off against all girlish shortcomings , a counterbalance of every youthful sin . Did [she]_{468-my lady} remember the day in which [that fairy dower of beauty]_{7359-that fairy dower of beauty} had first taught [her]_{468-my lady} to be selfish and cruel , indifferent to the joys and sorrows of [others]_5097-others , cold - hearted and capricious , greedy of admiration , exacting and tyrannical with [that petty woman]_{7361-that petty woman} 's tyranny which is the worst of despotism ? Did [she]_{468-my lady} trace every sin of [her]_{468-my lady} life back to its true source ? and did [she]_{468-my lady} discover that poisoned fountain in [her]_{468-my lady} own exaggerated estimate of the value of a pretty face ? Surely , if [her]_{468-my lady} thoughts wandered so far along the backward current of [her]_{468-my lady} life , [she]_{468-my lady} must have repented in bitterness and despair of that first day in which the master - passions of [her]_{468-my lady} life had become [[her]_{468-my lady} rulers]_{7362-her rulers} , and [the three demons of Vanity]_{7363-the three demons of vanity} , Selfishness , and Ambition , had joined hands and said , "_[3347-my] [This woman]_{557-this woman} is [[our]_3351-our slave]_{3352-our slave} , let [us]_3351-our see what [she]_{557-this woman} will become under [our]_3351-our guidance . " How small those first youthful errors seemed as [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} looked back upon [them]_7365-them in that long revery by the lonely hearth ! What small vanities , what petty cruelties ! A triumph over [a schoolfellow]_{7366-a schoolfellow} ; a flirtation with [the lover of [a friend]_{5908-a friend}]_{7367-the lover of a friend} ; an assertion of [the right divine invested in blue eyes]_{7369-the right divine invested in blue eyes} and shimmering golden - tinted hair . But how terribly [that narrow pathway]_{7370-that narrow pathway} had widened out into the broad highroad of sin , and how swift the footsteps had become upon the now familiar way ! [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} twisted [her]_{468-my lady} fingers in [her]_{468-my lady} loose amber curls , and made as if [she]_{468-my lady} would have torn them from [her]_{468-my lady} head . But even in that moment of mute despair the unyielding dominion of beauty asserted itself , and [she]_{468-my lady} released the poor tangled glitter of ringlets , leaving them to make a halo round [her]_{468-my lady} head in the dim firelight . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i was not wicked when [I]_0-i was young , " [she]_{468-my lady} thought , as [she]_{468-my lady} stared gloomingly at the fire , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i was only thoughtless . [I]_0-i never did any harm — at least , wilfully . Have [I]_0-i ever been really wicked , [I]_0-i wonder ? " [she]_{468-my lady} mused . "_[0-i] [My]_0-i worst wickednesses have been the result of wild impulses , and not of deeply - laid plots . [I]_0-i am not like [the women [I]_0-i have read of]_{3353-the women i have read of} , [who have lain night after night in the horrible darkness and stillness , planning out treacherous deeds , and arranging every circumstance of an appointed crime]_{3354-who have lain night after night in the horrible darkness and stillness , planning out treacherous deeds , and arranging every circumstance of an appointed crime} . [I]_0-i wonder whether [they]_{3353-the women i have read of} suffered — [those women]_{3355-those women} — whether [they]_{3353-the women i have read of} ever suffered as — " [Her]_{468-my lady} thoughts wandered away into a weary maze of confusion . Suddenly [she]_{468-my lady} drew [herself]_{468-my lady} up with a proud , defiant gesture , and [her]_{468-my lady} eyes glittered with a light that was not entirely reflected from the fire . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i are mad , [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , " [she]_{468-my lady} said , "_[0-i] [you]_0-i are mad , and [your]_0-i fancies are [a madman]_{3356-a madman} 's fancies . [I]_0-i know what madness is . [I]_0-i know its signs and tokens , and [I]_0-i say that [you]_0-i are mad . " [She]_{468-my lady} put [her]_{468-my lady} hand to [her]_{468-my lady} head , as if thinking of something which confused and bewildered [her]_{468-my lady} , and which [she]_{468-my lady} found it difficult to contemplate with calmness . "_[0-i] Dare [I]_0-i defy [him]_173-robert ? " [she]_{468-my lady} muttered . "_[0-i] Dare [I]_0-i ? dare [I]_0-i ? Will [he]_173-robert stop , now that [he]_173-robert has once gone so far ? Will [he]_173-robert stop for fear of [me]_0-i ? Will [he]_173-robert stop for fear of [me]_0-i , when the thought of what [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} must suffer has not stopped [him]_173-robert ? Will anything stop [him]_173-robert — but death ? " [She]_{468-my lady} pronounced the last words in an awful whisper ; and with [her]_{468-my lady} head bent forward , [her]_{468-my lady} eyes dilated , and [her]_{468-my lady} lips still parted as they had been parted in [her]_{468-my lady} utterance of that final word "_[173-robert] death , " [she]_{468-my lady} sat blankly staring at the fire . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i ca n't plot horrible things , " [she]_{468-my lady} muttered , presently ; "_[0-i] [my]_0-i brain is n't strong enough , or [I]_0-i 'm not wicked enough , or brave enough . If [I]_0-i met [Robert Audley]_173-robert in [those lonely gardens]_{3358-those lonely gardens} , as [I]_0-i — " The current of [her]_{468-my lady} thoughts was interrupted by a cautious knocking at [her]_{468-my lady} door . [She]_{468-my lady} rose suddenly , startled by any sound in the stillness of [[her]_{468-my lady} room]_{7372-her room} . [She]_{468-my lady} rose , and threw [herself]_{468-my lady} into a low chair near the fire . [She]_{468-my lady} flung [her]_{468-my lady} beautiful head back upon the soft cushions , and took a book from the table near [her]_{468-my lady} . Insignificant as this action was , it spoke very plainly . It spoke very plainly of ever - recurring fears — of fatal necessities for concealment — of a mind that in its silent agonies was ever alive to the importance of outward effect . It told more plainly than anything else could have told how complete an actress [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} had been made by the awful necessity of [her]_{468-my lady} life . The modest rap at the door was repeated . "_[0-i] Come in , " cried [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , in [her]_{150-lady audley} liveliest tone . The door was opened with that respectful noiselessness peculiar to [a well - bred servant]_{7374-a well - bred servant} , and [a young woman]_{7375-a young woman} , plainly dressed , and carrying some of the cold March winds in the folds of [her]_{7375-a young woman} garments , crossed the threshold of [the apartment]_{5327-the apartment} and lingered near the door , waiting permission to approach the inner regions of [[[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's retreat]_{7378-my lady 's retreat} . It was [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , [the pale - faced wife of [the Mount Stanning innkeeper]_{7380-the mount stanning innkeeper}]_{7379-the pale - faced wife of the mount stanning innkeeper} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i beg pardon , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , for intruding without leave , " [she]_166-phoebe said ; "_[0-i] but [I]_0-i thought [I]_0-i might venture to come straight up without waiting for permission . " "_[166-phoebe] Yes , yes , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , to be sure . Take off [your]_166-phoebe bonnet , [you]_166-phoebe wretched , cold - looking creature , and come sit down here . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} pointed to the low ottoman upon which [she]_{150-lady audley} had [herself]_{150-lady audley} been seated a few minutes before . [[The lady]_{673-the lady} 's maid]_{1504-the lady 's maid} had often sat upon it listening to [[her]_{1504-the lady 's maid} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} ' prattle in the old days , when [she]_{1504-the lady 's maid} had been [[[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} 's chief companion and [confidante]_{7386-confidante}]_{7385-my lady 's chief companion and confidante} . "_[166-phoebe] Sit down here , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} repeated ; "_[166-phoebe] sit down here and talk to [me]_0-i ; [I]_0-i 'm very glad [you]_166-phoebe came [here]_4776-here to - night . [I]_0-i was horribly lonely in [this dreary place]_{3361-this dreary place} . " [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} shivered and looked round at the bright collection of bric - a - brac , as if the Sevres and bronze , the buhl and ormolu , had been the moldering adornments of [some ruined castle]_{7388-some ruined castle} . The dreary wretchedness of [her]_{468-my lady} thoughts had communicated itself to every object about [her]_{468-my lady} , and all outer things took their color from that weary inner life which held its slow course of secret anguish in [her]_{468-my lady} breast . [She]_{468-my lady} had spoken the entire truth in saying that [she]_{468-my lady} was glad of [[her]_{468-my lady} lady]_{7389-her lady} 's maid 's visit . [Her]_{468-my lady} frivolous nature clung to this weak shelter in the hour of [her]_{468-my lady} fear and suffering . There were sympathies between [her]_{468-my lady} and [this girl]_{2487-this girl} , who was like [herself]_{468-my lady} , inwardly as well as outwardly — like [herself]_{468-my lady} , selfish , and cold , and cruel , eager for [her]_{468-my lady} own advancement , and greedy of opulence and elegance ; angry with the lot that had been cast [her]_{468-my lady} , and weary of dull dependence . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} hated [Alicia]_149-alicia for [her]_149-alicia frank , passionate , generous , daring nature ; [she]_{468-my lady} hated [[her]_{468-my lady} step - daughter]_{5225-her step - daughter} , and clung to [this pale - faced , pale - haired girl , whom [she]_{468-my lady} thought neither better nor worse than [herself]_{468-my lady}]_{7393-this pale - faced , pale - haired girl , whom she thought neither better nor worse than herself} . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe obeyed [[her]_166-phoebe late mistress]_{7394-her late mistress} ' commands , and took off [her]_166-phoebe bonnet before seating [herself]_166-phoebe on the ottoman at [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's feet . [Her]_166-phoebe smooth bands of light hair were unruffled by the March winds ; [her]_166-phoebe trimly - made drab dress and linen collar were as neatly arranged as they could have been had [she]_166-phoebe only that moment completed [her]_166-phoebe toilet . "_[0-i] [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} is better , [I]_0-i hope , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " [she]_166-phoebe said . "_{[146-sir michael]} Yes , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , much better . [He]_{146-sir michael} is asleep . [You]_166-phoebe may close that door , " added [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , with a motion of [her]_{150-lady audley} head toward the door of communication between [the rooms]_{803-the rooms} , which had been left open . [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} obeyed submissively , and then returned to [her]_166-phoebe seat . "_[166-phoebe] [I]_0-i am very , very unhappy , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , " [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} said , fretfully ; "_[166-phoebe] wretchedly miserable . " "_[166-phoebe] About the — secret ? " asked [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} , in a half whisper . [[My]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} did not notice that question . [She]_{468-my lady} resumed in the same complaining tone . [She]_{468-my lady} was glad to be able to complain even to [[this lady]_{2399-this lady} 's maid]_{7399-this lady 's maid} . [She]_{468-my lady} had brooded over [her]_{468-my lady} fears , and had suffered in secret so long , that it was an inexpressible relief to [her]_{468-my lady} to bemoan [her]_{468-my lady} fate aloud . "_[166-phoebe] [I]_0-i am cruelly persecuted and harassed , [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , " [she]_{468-my lady} said . "_[166-phoebe] [I]_0-i am pursued and tormented by [a man whom [I]_0-i never injured , whom [I]_0-i have never wished to injure]_{3363-a man whom i never injured , whom i have never wished to injure} . [I]_0-i am never suffered to rest by [this relentless tormentor]_{3364-this relentless tormentor} , and — " [She]_{468-my lady} paused , staring at the fire again , as [she]_{468-my lady} had done in [her]_{468-my lady} loneliness . Lost again in the dark intricacies of thoughts which wandered hither and thither in a dreadful chaos of terrified bewilderments , [she]_{468-my lady} could not come to any fixed conclusion . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe watched [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's face , looking upward at [[her]_{468-my lady} late mistress]_{7394-her late mistress} with pale , anxious eyes , that only relaxed [their]_7402-their watchfulness when [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's glance met that of [[her]_{468-my lady} companion]_{788-her companion} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i know whom [you]_0-i mean , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " said [[the innkeeper]_{1846-the innkeeper} 's wife]_{7405-the innkeeper 's wife} , after a pause ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i know who it is who is so cruel to [you]_0-i . " "_[0-i] Oh , of course , " answered [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , bitterly ; "_[0-i] [my]_0-i secrets are [everybody]_{632-everybody} 's secrets . [You]_0-i know all about it , no doubt . " "_[0-i] [The person]_{1405-the person} is [a gentleman]_{4644-a gentleman} — is [he]_{1405-the person} not , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ? " "_{[4644-a gentleman]} Yes . " "_{[4644-a gentleman]} [A gentleman who came to [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn}]_{3370-a gentleman who came to the castle inn} two months ago , when [I]_0-i warned [you]_0-i — " "_[0-i] Yes , yes , " answered [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , impatiently . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i thought so . [The same gentleman]_{3372-the same gentleman} is at [[our]_3373-our place]_{3374-our place} to - night , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} started up from [her]_{150-lady audley} chair — started up as if [she]_{150-lady audley} would have done something desperate in [her]_{150-lady audley} despairing fury ; but [she]_{150-lady audley} sank back again with a weary , querulous sigh . What warfare could [such a feeble creature]_{7408-such a feeble creature} wage against [her]_{150-lady audley} fate ? What could [she]_{150-lady audley} do but wind like a hunted hare till [she]_{150-lady audley} found [her]_{150-lady audley} way back to the starting - point of the cruel chase , to be there trampled down by [[her]_{150-lady audley} pursuers]_{7409-her pursuers} ? "_{[3372-the same gentleman]} At [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn} ? " [she]_{150-lady audley} cried . "_{[3372-the same gentleman]} [I]_0-i might have known as much . [He]_{3372-the same gentleman} has gone [there]_374-there to wring [my]_0-i secrets from [[your]_0-i husband]_{3377-your husband} . [Fool]_3378-fool ! " [she]_{150-lady audley} exclaimed , suddenly turning upon [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe in a transport of anger , "_[0-i] do [you]_0-i want to destroy [me]_0-i that [you]_0-i have left [those two men]_{3379-those two men} together ? " [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} clasped [her]_{221-mrs. marks} hands piteously . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i did n't come away of [my]_0-i own free will , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " [she]_{221-mrs. marks} said ; "_[0-i] [no one]_{507-no one} could have been more unwilling to leave [the house]_{388-the house} than [I]_0-i was this night . [I]_0-i was sent [here]_4776-here . " "_[0-i] Who sent [you]_0-i here ? " "_[167-luke] [Luke]_167-luke , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . [You]_{468-my lady} ca n't tell how hard [he]_167-luke can be upon [me]_0-i if [I]_0-i go against [him]_167-luke . " "_{[468-my lady]} Why did [he]_167-luke send [you]_0-i ? " [[The innkeeper]_{1846-the innkeeper} 's wife]_{7405-the innkeeper 's wife} dropped [her]_{7405-the innkeeper 's wife} eyelids under [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's angry glances , and hesitated confusedly before [she]_{7405-the innkeeper 's wife} answered this question . "_[167-luke] Indeed , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " [she]_{7405-the innkeeper 's wife} stammered , "_[167-luke] [I]_0-i did n't want to come . [I]_0-i told [Luke]_167-luke that it was too bad for [us]_3386-us to worry [you]_{468-my lady} , first asking this favor , and then asking that , and never leaving [you]_{468-my lady} alone for a month together ; but — but — [he]_167-luke bore [me]_0-i down with [his]_167-luke loud , blustering talk , and [he]_167-luke made [me]_0-i come . " "_[167-luke] Yes , yes , " cried [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , impatiently . "_[167-luke] [I]_0-i know that . [I]_0-i want to know why [you]_{468-my lady} have come . " "_[0-i] Why , [you]_{468-my lady} know , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " answered [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , half reluctantly , "_[167-luke] [Luke]_167-luke is very extravagant ; and all [I]_0-i can say to [him]_167-luke , [I]_0-i ca n't get [him]_167-luke to be careful or steady . [He]_167-luke 's not sober ; and when [he]_167-luke 's drinking with [a lot of [rough countrymen]_{3389-rough countrymen}]_{3388-a lot of rough countrymen} , and drinking , perhaps even more than [they]_{3388-a lot of rough countrymen} do , it is n't likely that [his]_167-luke head can be very clear for accounts . If it had n't been for [me]_0-i [we]_3390-we should have been ruined before this ; and hard as [I]_0-i 've tried , [I]_0-i have n't been able to keep the ruin off . [You]_{468-my lady} remember giving [me]_0-i the money for [the brewer]_{3391-the brewer} 's bill , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ? " "_{[468-my lady]} Yes , [I]_0-i remember very well , " answered [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , with a bitter laugh , "_[0-i] for [I]_0-i wanted that money to pay [my]_0-i own bills . " "_{[468-my lady]} [I]_0-i know [you]_{468-my lady} did , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , and it was very , very hard for [me]_0-i to have to come and ask [you]_{468-my lady} for it , after all that [we]_3390-we 'd received from [you]_{468-my lady} before . But that is n't the worst : when [Luke]_167-luke sent [me]_0-i down here to beg the favor of that help [he]_167-luke never told [me]_0-i that the Christmas rent was still owing ; but it was , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , and it 's owing now , and — and there 's [a bailiff]_{3395-a bailiff} in [the house]_{388-the house} to - night , and [we]_3390-we 're to be sold up to - morrow unless — " "_[0-i] Unless [I]_0-i pay [your]_{468-my lady} rent , [I]_0-i suppose , " cried [Lucy Audley]_197-lucy . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i might have guessed what was coming . " "_[0-i] Indeed , indeed , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , [I]_0-i would n't have asked it , " sobbed [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , "_[0-i] but [he]_167-luke made [me]_0-i come . " "_[167-luke] Yes , " answered [[my]_167-luke lady]_{468-my lady} , bitterly , "_[167-luke] [he]_167-luke made [you]_{468-my lady} come ; and [he]_167-luke will make [you]_{468-my lady} come whenever [he]_167-luke pleases , and whenever [he]_167-luke wants money for the gratification of [his]_167-luke low vices ; and [you]_{468-my lady} and [he]_167-luke are [[my]_0-i pensioners]_{3398-my pensioners} as long as [I]_0-i live , or as long as [I]_0-i have any money to give ; for [I]_0-i suppose when [my]_0-i purse is empty and [my]_0-i credit ruined , [you]_{468-my lady} and [[your]_{468-my lady} husband]_{3377-your husband} will turn upon [me]_0-i and sell [me]_0-i to [the highest bidder]_{4705-the highest bidder} . Do [you]_{468-my lady} know , [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , that [my]_0-i jewel - case has been half emptied to meet [your]_{468-my lady} claims ? Do [you]_{468-my lady} know that [my]_0-i pin - money , which [I]_0-i thought such a princely allowance when [my]_0-i marriage settlement was made , and when [I]_0-i was a poor governess at [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} 's , Heaven help [me]_0-i ! [my]_0-i pin - money has been overdrawn half a year to satisfy [your]_{468-my lady} demands ? What can [I]_0-i do to appease [you]_{468-my lady} ? Shall [I]_0-i sell [my]_0-i Marie Antoinette cabinet , or [my]_0-i pompadour china , [Leroy]_321-leroy 's and [Benson]_216-benson 's ormolu clocks , or [my]_0-i Gobelin tapestried chairs and ottomans ? How shall [I]_0-i satisfy [you]_{468-my lady} next ? " "_[0-i] Oh , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " cried [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , piteously , "_{[468-my lady]} do n't be so cruel to [me]_0-i ; [you]_{468-my lady} know , [you]_{468-my lady} know that it is n't [I]_0-i who want to impose upon [you]_{468-my lady} . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i know nothing , " exclaimed [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , "_[0-i] except that [I]_0-i am [the most miserable of [women]_4642-women]_{3403-the most miserable of women} . Let [me]_0-i think , " [she]_{150-lady audley} cried , silencing [Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's consolatory murmurs with an imperious gesture . "_[0-i] Hold [your]_{468-my lady} tongue , [girl]_3405-girl , and let [me]_0-i think of this business , if [I]_0-i can . " [She]_{150-lady audley} put [her]_{150-lady audley} hands to [her]_{150-lady audley} forehead , clasping [her]_{150-lady audley} slender fingers across [her]_{150-lady audley} brow , as if [she]_{150-lady audley} would have controlled the action of [her]_{150-lady audley} brain by their convulsive pressure . "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert is with [[your]_{468-my lady} husband]_{3377-your husband} , " [she]_{150-lady audley} said , slowly , speaking to [herself]_{150-lady audley} rather than to [[her]_{150-lady audley} companion]_{788-her companion} . "_[173-robert] [These two men]_{3407-these two men} are together , and there are [bailiffs]_{3408-bailiffs} in [the house]_{388-the house} , and [[your]_{468-my lady} brutal husband]_{3410-your brutal husband} is no doubt brutally drunk by this time , and brutally obstinate and ferocious in [his]_{3410-your brutal husband} drunkenness . If [I]_0-i refuse to pay this money [his]_{3410-your brutal husband} ferocity will be multiplied by a hundredfold . There 's little use in discussing that matter . The money must be paid . " "_{[468-my lady]} But if [you]_{468-my lady} do pay it , " said [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , earnestly , "_{[468-my lady]} [I]_0-i hope [you]_{468-my lady} will impress upon [Luke]_167-luke that it is the last money [you]_{468-my lady} will ever give [him]_167-luke while [he]_167-luke stops in [that house]_{6322-that house} . " "_{[468-my lady]} Why ? " asked [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , letting [her]_{150-lady audley} hands fall on [her]_{150-lady audley} lap , and looking inquiringly at [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} . "_{[468-my lady]} Because [I]_0-i want [Luke]_167-luke to leave [the Castle]_{4914-the castle} . " "_[0-i] But why do [you]_0-i want [him]_167-luke to leave ? " "_[0-i] Oh , for ever so many reasons , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " answered [Phoebe]_166-phoebe . "_[0-i] [He]_167-luke 's not fit to be [the landlord of [a public - house]_{4807-a public - house}]_{3414-the landlord of a public - house} . [I]_0-i did n't know that when [I]_0-i married [him]_167-luke , or [I]_0-i would have gone against the business , and tried to persuade [him]_167-luke to take to the farming line . Not that [I]_0-i suppose [he]_167-luke 'd have given up [his]_167-luke own fancy , either ; for [he]_167-luke 's obstinate enough , as [you]_{468-my lady} know , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . [He]_167-luke 's not fit for [his]_167-luke present business . [He]_167-luke 's scarcely ever sober after dark ; and when [he]_167-luke 's drunk [he]_167-luke gets almost wild , and does n't seem to know what [he]_167-luke does . [We]_3417-we 've had two or three narrow escapes with [him]_167-luke already . " "_[3417-we] Narrow escapes ! " repeated [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . "_{[468-my lady]} What do [you]_{468-my lady} mean ? " "_{[468-my lady]} Why , [we]_3417-we 've run the risk of being burnt in [[our]_3417-we beds]_{3418-our beds} through [his]_167-luke carelessness . " "_[167-luke] Burnt in [[your]_{468-my lady} beds]_{3419-your beds} through [his]_167-luke carelessness ! Why , how was that ? " asked [[my]_{468-my lady} lady]_{468-my lady} , rather listlessly . [She]_{468-my lady} was too selfish , and too deeply absorbed in [her]_{468-my lady} own troubles to take much interest in any danger which had befallen [[her]_{468-my lady} some - time lady's - maid]_{7415-her some - time lady's - maid} . "_{[468-my lady]} [You]_{468-my lady} know what [a queer old place [the Castle]_{4914-the castle} is]_{3420-a queer old place the castle is} , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ; all tumble - down wood - work , and rotten rafters , and such like . [The Chelmsford Insurance Company]_{112-the chelmsford insurance company} wo n't insure it ; for [they]_{112-the chelmsford insurance company} say if [the place]_{385-the place} did happen to catch fire of a windy night it would blaze away like so much tinder , and nothing in [the world]_{519-the world} could save it . Well , [Luke]_167-luke knows this ; and [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} has warned [him]_167-luke of it times and often , for [he]_{5144-the landlord} lives close against [us]_3426-we , and [he]_{5144-the landlord} keeps a pretty sharp eye upon all [[my]_0-i husband]_{3083-my husband} 's goings on ; but when [Luke]_167-luke 's tipsy [he]_167-luke does n't know what [he]_167-luke 's about , and only a week ago [he]_167-luke left a candle burning in [one of [the out - houses]_{3429-the out - houses}]_{3428-one of the out - houses} , and the flame caught one of the rafters of the sloping roof , and if it had n't been for [me]_0-i finding it out when [I]_0-i went round [the house]_{388-the house} the last thing , [we]_3426-we should have all been burnt to death , perhaps . And that 's the third time the same kind of thing has happened in the six months [we]_3426-we 've had [the place]_{385-the place} , and [you]_3432-you ca n't wonder that [I]_0-i 'm frightened , can [you]_3432-you , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ? " [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} had not wondered , [she]_{468-my lady} had not thought about the business at all . [She]_{468-my lady} had scarcely listened to these commonplace details ; why should [she]_{468-my lady} care for [this low - born waiting - woman]_{7417-this low - born waiting - woman} 's perils and troubles ? Had [she]_{468-my lady} not [her]_{468-my lady} own terrors , [her]_{468-my lady} own soul - absorbing perplexities to usurp every thought of which [her]_{468-my lady} brain was capable ? [She]_{468-my lady} did not make any remark upon that which [poor Phoebe]_166-phoebe just told [her]_{468-my lady} ; [she]_{468-my lady} scarcely comprehended what had been said , until some moments after [the girl]_{753-the girl} had finished speaking , when the words assumed their full meaning , as some words do after they have been heard without being heeded . "_[0-i] Burnt in [[your]_3432-you beds]_{3419-your beds} , " said [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} , at last . "_[0-i] It would have been a good thing for [me]_0-i if that precious creature , [[your]_3432-you husband]_{3377-your husband} , had been burnt in [his]_{3377-your husband} bed before to - night . " A vivid picture had flashed upon [her]_{5100-the young lady} as [she]_{5100-the young lady} spoke . The picture of [that frail wooden tenement]_{7420-that frail wooden tenement} , [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn} , reduced to a roofless chaos of lath and plaster , vomiting flames from its black mouth , and spitting blazing sparks upward toward the cold night sky . [She]_{5100-the young lady} gave a weary sigh as [she]_{5100-the young lady} dismissed this image from [her]_{5100-the young lady} restless brain . [She]_{5100-the young lady} would be no better off even if [this enemy]_{7422-this enemy} should be for ever silenced . [She]_{5100-the young lady} had [another and far more dangerous foe]_{7423-another and far more dangerous foe} — [a foe who was not to be bribed or bought off]_{7424-a foe who was not to be bribed or bought off} , though [she]_{5100-the young lady} had been as rich as [an empress]_{7425-an empress} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'll give [you]_3432-you the money to send [this bailiff]_{3436-this bailiff} away , " [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} said , after a pause . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i must give [you]_3432-you the last sovereign in [my]_0-i purse , but what of that ? [you]_3432-you know as well as [I]_0-i do that [I]_0-i dare not refuse [you]_3432-you . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} rose and took the lighted lamp from [her]_{150-lady audley} writing - table . "_[3432-you] The money is in [[my]_0-i dressing - room]_{3437-my dressing - room} , " [she]_{150-lady audley} said ; "_[3432-you] [I]_0-i will go and fetch it . " "_{[468-my lady]} Oh , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " exclaimed [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , suddenly , "_{[468-my lady]} [I]_0-i forgot something ; [I]_0-i was in such a way about this business that [I]_0-i quite forgot it . " "_[0-i] Quite forgot what ? " "_[0-i] A letter that was given [me]_0-i to bring to [you]_{468-my lady} , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , just before [I]_0-i left [home]_479-home . " "_[173-robert] What letter ? " "_[173-robert] A letter from [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . [He]_173-robert heard [[my]_0-i husband]_{3083-my husband} mention that [I]_0-i was coming down [here]_4776-here , and [he]_173-robert asked [me]_0-i to carry this letter . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} set the lamp down upon the table nearest to [her]_{150-lady audley} , and held out [her]_{150-lady audley} hand to receive the letter . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe could scarcely fail to observe that the little jeweled hand shook like a leaf . "_[173-robert] Give it [me]_0-i — give it [me]_0-i , " [she]_{150-lady audley} cried ; "_[173-robert] let [me]_0-i see what more [he]_173-robert has to say . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} almost snatched the letter from [Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's hand in [her]_{150-lady audley} wild impatience . [She]_{150-lady audley} tore open the envelope and flung it from [her]_{150-lady audley} ; [she]_{150-lady audley} could scarcely unfold the sheet of note - paper in [her]_{150-lady audley} eager excitement . The letter was very brief . It contained only these words : "_[173-robert] Should [Mrs. George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} really have survived the date of [her]_{181-george talboys} supposed death , as recorded in the public prints , and upon the tombstone in [Ventnor churchyard]_{6165-ventnor churchyard} , and should [she]_{181-george talboys} exist in the person of [the lady]_{673-the lady} suspected and accused by [the writer of this]_{3445-the writer of this} , there can be no great difficulty in finding [some one]_{3325-some one} able and willing to identify [her]_{181-george talboys} . [Mrs. Barkamb]_{287-mrs. barkamb} , [the owner of [North Cottages]_{105-north cottages}]_{3447-the owner of north cottages} , [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} , would no doubt consent to throw some light upon this matter ; either to dispel a delusion or to confirm a suspicion . " [ROBERT AUDLEY]_173-robert . "_{[287-mrs. barkamb]} March 3 , 1859 . " [The Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn} , [Mount Stanning]_{222-mount stanning} . "_{[287-mrs. barkamb]} [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} crushed the letter fiercely in [her]_{468-my lady} hand , and flung it from [her]_{468-my lady} into the flames . " If [he]_173-robert stood before [me]_{468-my lady} now , and [I]_{468-my lady} could kill [him]_173-robert , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} muttered in a strange , inward whisper , " [I]_{468-my lady} would do it — [I]_{468-my lady} would do it ! "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} snatched up the lamp and rushed into [the adjoining room]_{3449-the adjoining room} . [She]_{468-my lady} shut the door behind [her]_{468-my lady} . [She]_{468-my lady} could not endure any witness of [her]_{468-my lady} horrible despair — [she]_{468-my lady} could endure nothing , neither [herself]_{468-my lady} nor [her]_{468-my lady} surroundings . The door between [[[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's dressing - room]_{1137-my lady 's dressing - room} and [the bed - chamber in which [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} lay]_{3452-the bed - chamber in which sir michael lay} , had been left open . [The baronet]_{465-the baronet} slept peacefully , [his]_{465-the baronet} noble face plainly visible in the subdued lamplight . [His]_{465-the baronet} breathing was low and regular , [his]_{465-the baronet} lips curved into a half smile — a smile of tender happiness which [he]_{465-the baronet} often wore when [he]_{465-the baronet} looked at [[his]_{465-the baronet} beautiful wife]_{3454-his beautiful wife} , the smile of [an all - indulgent father]_{3455-an all - indulgent father} , who looks admiringly at [[his]_{465-the baronet} favorite child]_{3456-his favorite child} . Some touch of womanly feeling , some sentiment of compassion softened [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's glance as it fell upon [that noble , reposing figure]_{3457-that noble , reposing figure} . For a moment the horrible egotism of [her]_{150-lady audley} own misery yielded to [her]_{150-lady audley} pitying tenderness for another . It was perhaps only a semi - selfish tenderness after all , in which pity for [herself]_{150-lady audley} was as powerful as pity for [[her]_{150-lady audley} husband]_{469-her husband} ; but for once in a way , [her]_{150-lady audley} thoughts ran out of the narrow groove of [her]_{150-lady audley} own terrors and [her]_{150-lady audley} own troubles to dwell with prophetic grief upon the coming sorrows of [another]_3459-another . " If [they]_7428-they make [him]_{469-her husband} believe , how wretched [he]_{469-her husband} will be , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} thought . But intermingled with that thought there was another — there was the thought of [her]_{150-lady audley} lovely face , [her]_{150-lady audley} bewitching manner , [her]_{150-lady audley} arch smile , [her]_{150-lady audley} low , musical laugh , which was like a peal of silvery bells ringing across [a broad expanse of flat meadow - land]_{3460-a broad expanse of flat meadow - land} and [a rippling river]_{3461-a rippling river} in the misty summer evening . [She]_{150-lady audley} thought of all these things with a transient thrill of triumph , which was stronger even than [her]_{150-lady audley} terror . If [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} lived to be a hundred years old , whatever [he]_{146-sir michael} might learn to believe of [her]_{150-lady audley} , however [he]_{146-sir michael} might grow to despise [her]_{150-lady audley} , would [he]_{146-sir michael} ever be able to disassociate [her]_{150-lady audley} from these attributes ? No ; a thousand times no . To the last hour of [his]_{146-sir michael} life [his]_{146-sir michael} memory would present [her]_{150-lady audley} to [him]_{146-sir michael} invested with the loveliness that had first won [his]_{146-sir michael} enthusiastic admiration , [his]_{146-sir michael} devoted affection . [[Her]_{150-lady audley} worst enemies]_{3462-her worst enemies} could not rob [her]_{150-lady audley} of that fairy dower which had been so fatal in its influence upon [her]_{150-lady audley} frivolous mind . [She]_{150-lady audley} paced up and down [the dressing - room]_{5226-the dressing - room} in the silvery lamplight , pondering upon the strange letter which [she]_{150-lady audley} had received from [Robert Audley]_173-robert . [She]_{150-lady audley} walked backward and forward in that monotonous wandering for some time before [she]_{150-lady audley} was able to steady [her]_{150-lady audley} thoughts — before [she]_{150-lady audley} was able to bring the scattered forces of [her]_{150-lady audley} narrow intellect to bear upon the one all - important subject of the threat contained in [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} 's letter . " [He]_173-robert will do it , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said , between [her]_{150-lady audley} set teeth—"he will do it , unless [I]_{150-lady audley} get [him]_173-robert into [a lunatic - asylum]_{7429-a lunatic - asylum} first ; or unless — "_{[150-lady audley]} [She]_{150-lady audley} did not finish the thought in words . [She]_{150-lady audley} did not even think out the sentence ; but some new and unnatural impulse in [her]_{150-lady audley} heart seemed to beat each syllable against [her]_{150-lady audley} breast . The thought was this : " [He]_173-robert will do it , unless some strange calamity befalls [him]_173-robert , and silences [him]_173-robert for ever . "_{[150-lady audley]} The red blood flashed up into [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's face with as sudden and transient a blaze as the flickering flame of a fire , and died as suddenly away , leaving [her]_{468-my lady} more pale than winter snow . [Her]_{468-my lady} hands , which had before been locked convulsively together , fell apart and dropped heavily at [her]_{468-my lady} sides . [She]_{150-lady audley} stopped in [her]_{150-lady audley} rapid pacing to and fro — stopped as [[Lot]_322-lot 's wife]_{3466-lot 's wife} may have stopped , after that fatal backward glance at [the perishing city]_{3467-the perishing city} — with every pulse slackening , with every drop of blood congealing in [her]_{468-my lady} veins , in the terrible process that was to transform [her]_{468-my lady} from [a woman]_{503-a woman} into [a statue]_{3469-a statue} . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} stood still for about five minutes in that strangely statuesque attitude , [her]_{150-lady audley} head erect , [her]_{150-lady audley} eyes staring straight before [her]_{150-lady audley} — staring far beyond the narrow boundary of [her]_{150-lady audley} chamber wall , into dark distances of peril and horror . But by - and - by [she]_{150-lady audley} started from that rigid attitude almost as abruptly as [she]_{150-lady audley} had fallen into it . [She]_{150-lady audley} roused [herself]_{150-lady audley} from that semi - lethargy . [She]_{150-lady audley} walked rapidly to [her]_{150-lady audley} dressing - table , and , seating [herself]_{150-lady audley} before [it]_3470-it , pushed away the litter of golden - stoppered bottles and delicate china essence - boxes , and looked at [her]_{150-lady audley} reflection in the large , oval glass . [She]_{150-lady audley} was very pale ; but there was no other trace of agitation visible in [her]_{150-lady audley} girlish face . The lines of [her]_{150-lady audley} exquisitely molded lips were so beautiful , that it was only [a very close observer]_{3471-a very close observer} who could have perceived a certain rigidity that was unusual to [them]_3472-them . [She]_{150-lady audley} saw this [herself]_{150-lady audley} , and tried to smile away that statue - like immobility : but to - night the rosy lips refused to obey [her]_{150-lady audley} ; they were firmly locked , and were no longer the slaves of [her]_{150-lady audley} will and pleasure . All the latent forces of [her]_{150-lady audley} character concentrated themselves in this one feature . [She]_{150-lady audley} might command [her]_{150-lady audley} eyes , but [she]_{150-lady audley} could not control the muscles of [her]_{150-lady audley} mouth . [She]_{150-lady audley} rose from before [her]_{150-lady audley} dressing - table , and took a dark velvet cloak and bonnet from the recesses of [her]_{150-lady audley} wardrobe , and dressed [herself]_{150-lady audley} for walking . The little ormolu clock on the chimney - piece struck the quarter after eleven while [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} was employed in this manner ; five minutes afterward [she]_{150-lady audley} re - entered [the room in which [she]_{150-lady audley} had left [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe]_{3473-the room in which she had left phoebe marks} . [[The innkeeper]_{1846-the innkeeper} 's wife]_{7405-the innkeeper 's wife} was sitting before the low fender very much in the same attitude as that in which [[her]_{150-lady audley} late mistress]_{7394-her late mistress} had brooded over that lonely hearth earlier in the evening . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe had replenished the fire , and had reassumed [her]_166-phoebe bonnet and shawl . [She]_{150-lady audley} was anxious to get [home]_479-home to [that brutal husband , who was only too apt to fall into some mischief in [her]_{150-lady audley} absence]_{3478-that brutal husband , who was only too apt to fall into some mischief in her absence} . [She]_{150-lady audley} looked up as [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} entered [the room]_{595-the room} , and uttered an exclamation of surprise at seeing [[her]_{150-lady audley} late mistress]_{7394-her late mistress} in a walking - costume . " [[My]_{150-lady audley} lady]_{468-my lady} , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} cried , " [you]_{468-my lady} are not going out to - night ? "_{[150-lady audley]} " Yes , [I]_{150-lady audley} am , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_{[150-lady audley]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} answered , very quietly . " [I]_{150-lady audley} am going to [Mount Stanning]_{222-mount stanning} with [you]_166-phoebe to see [this bailiff]_{3436-this bailiff} , and to pay and dismiss [him]_{3436-this bailiff} [myself]_{150-lady audley} . "_{[150-lady audley]} " But , [[my]_{150-lady audley} lady]_{468-my lady} , [you]_166-phoebe forget what the time is ; [you]_166-phoebe ca n't go out at such an hour . "_{[150-lady audley]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} did not answer . [She]_{150-lady audley} stood with [her]_{150-lady audley} finger resting lightly upon the handle of the bell , meditating quietly . " [The stables]_{1746-the stables} are always locked , and [the men in bed]_{7434-the men in bed} by ten o'clock , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} murmured , " when [we]_7435-we are at [home]_479-home . It will make a terrible hubbub to get [a carriage]_{5365-a carriage} ready ; but yet [I]_{150-lady audley} dare say [one of [the servants]_{545-the servants}]_{7438-one of the servants} could manage the matter quietly for [me]_{150-lady audley} . "_{[150-lady audley]} " But why should [you]_166-phoebe go to - night , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} ? "_[166-phoebe] cried [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe . " To - morrow will do quite as well . A week hence will do as well . [[Our]_7435-we landlord]_{7441-our landlord} would take [the man]_{634-the man} away if [he]_{7441-our landlord} had [your]_166-phoebe promise to settle the debt . "_[166-phoebe] [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} took no notice of this interruption . [She]_{150-lady audley} went hastily into [the dressing - room]_{5226-the dressing - room} , and flung off [her]_{150-lady audley} bonnet and cloak , and then returned to [the boudoir]_{5330-the boudoir} , in [her]_{150-lady audley} simple dinner - costume , with [her]_{150-lady audley} curls brushed carelessly away from [her]_{150-lady audley} face . " Now , [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , listen to [me]_{150-lady audley} , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said , grasping [[her]_{150-lady audley} confidante]_{3483-her confidante} 's wrist , and speaking in a low , earnest voice , but with a certain imperious air that challenged contradiction and commanded obedience . " Listen to [me]_{150-lady audley} , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} repeated . " [I]_{150-lady audley} am going to [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn} to - night ; whether it is early or late is of very little consequence to [me]_{150-lady audley} ; [I]_{150-lady audley} have set [my]_{150-lady audley} mind upon going , and [I]_{150-lady audley} shall go . [You]_166-phoebe have asked [me]_{150-lady audley} why , and [I]_{150-lady audley} have told [you]_166-phoebe . [I]_{150-lady audley} am going in order that [I]_{150-lady audley} may pay this debt [myself]_{150-lady audley} ; and that [I]_{150-lady audley} may see for [myself]_{150-lady audley} that the money [I]_{150-lady audley} give is applied to the purpose for which [I]_{150-lady audley} give it . There is nothing out of the common course of life in [my]_{150-lady audley} doing this . [I]_{150-lady audley} am going to do what [other women in [my]_{150-lady audley} position]_{7443-other women in my position} very often do . [I]_{150-lady audley} am going to assist [a favorite servant]_{7444-a favorite servant} . "_{[150-lady audley]} " But it 's getting on for twelve o'clock , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[166-phoebe] pleaded [Phoebe]_166-phoebe . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} frowned impatiently at this interruption . " If [my]_{150-lady audley} going to [[your]_166-phoebe house]_{6183-your house} to pay [this man]_{4719-this man} should be known , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} continued , still retaining [her]_{150-lady audley} hold of [Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's wrist , " [I]_{150-lady audley} am ready to answer for [my]_{150-lady audley} conduct ; but [I]_{150-lady audley} would rather that the business should be kept quiet . [I]_{150-lady audley} think that [I]_{150-lady audley} can leave [this house]_{6101-this house} without being seen by any living creature , if [you]_166-phoebe will do as [I]_{150-lady audley} tell [you]_166-phoebe . "_{[150-lady audley]} " [I]_166-phoebe will do anything [you]_{150-lady audley} wish , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[166-phoebe] answered [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , submissively . " Then [you]_{150-lady audley} will wish [me]_166-phoebe good - night presently , when [[my]_166-phoebe maid]_{7450-my maid} comes into [the room]_{595-the room} , and [you]_{150-lady audley} will suffer [her]_{7450-my maid} to show [you]_{150-lady audley} out of [the house]_{388-the house} . [You]_{150-lady audley} will cross [the courtyard]_{7453-the courtyard} and wait for [me]_166-phoebe in [the avenue upon the other side of the archway]_{7454-the avenue upon the other side of the archway} . It may be half an hour before [I]_166-phoebe am able to join [you]_{150-lady audley} , for [I]_166-phoebe must not leave [[my]_166-phoebe room]_{6080-my room} till [the servants]_{545-the servants} have all gone to bed , but [you]_{150-lady audley} may wait for [me]_166-phoebe patiently , for come what may [I]_166-phoebe will join [you]_{150-lady audley} . "_[166-phoebe] [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's face was no longer pale . An unnatural luster gleamed in [her]_{150-lady audley} great blue eyes . [She]_{150-lady audley} spoke with an unnatural rapidity . [She]_{150-lady audley} had altogether the appearance and manner of [a person who has yielded to the dominant influence of some overpowering excitement]_{3484-a person who has yielded to the dominant influence of some overpowering excitement} . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe stared at [[her]_166-phoebe late mistress]_{7394-her late mistress} in mute bewilderment . [She]_166-phoebe began to fear that [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} was going mad . The bell which [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} rang was answered by [the smart lady's - maid who wore rose - colored ribbons , and black silk gowns , and other adornments which were unknown to [the humble people who sat below the salt in the good old days when [servants]_{7304-servants} wore linsey - woolsey]_{3488-the humble people who sat below the salt in the good old days when servants wore linsey - woolsey}]_{3487-the smart lady's - maid who wore rose - colored ribbons , and black silk gowns , and other adornments which were unknown to the humble people who sat below the salt in the good old days when servants wore linsey - woolsey} . " [I]_{468-my lady} did not know that it was so late , [Martin]_207-martin , "_{[468-my lady]} said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , in that gentle tone which always won for [her]_{468-my lady} the willing service of [[her]_{468-my lady} inferiors]_{3491-her inferiors} . " [I]_{468-my lady} have been talking with [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} and have let the time slip by [me]_{468-my lady} . [I]_{468-my lady} sha'n't want anything to - night , so [you]_207-martin may go to bed when [you]_207-martin please . "_{[468-my lady]} " Thank [you]_{468-my lady} , [my lady]_{468-my lady} , "_{[753-the girl]} answered [the girl]_{753-the girl} , who looked very sleepy , and had some difficulty in repressing a yawn even in [[her]_{753-the girl} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} ' presence , for [the Audley household]_{3494-the audley household} usually kept very early hours . " [I]_{5227-the maid} 'd better show [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} out , [[my]_{5227-the maid} lady]_{468-my lady} , had n't [I]_{5227-the maid} ? "_{[5227-the maid]} asked [the maid]_{5227-the maid} , " before [I]_{5227-the maid} go to bed ? "_{[5227-the maid]} " Oh , yes , to be sure ; [you]_{468-my lady} can let [Phoebe]_166-phoebe out . [All the other servants]_{7459-all the other servants} have gone to bed , then , [I]_{150-lady audley} suppose ? "_{[150-lady audley]} " Yes , [[my]_{150-lady audley} lady]_{468-my lady} . "_{[150-lady audley]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} laughed as [she]_{150-lady audley} glanced at the timepiece . " [We]_7461-we have been terrible dissipated up here , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said . " Good - night . [You]_166-phoebe may tell [[your]_166-phoebe husband]_{3377-your husband} that [his]_{3377-your husband} rent shall be paid . "_{[150-lady audley]} " Thank [you]_{150-lady audley} very much , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , and good - night , "_[166-phoebe] murmured [Phoebe]_166-phoebe as [she]_166-phoebe backed out of [the room]_{595-the room} , followed by [[the lady]_{673-the lady} 's maid]_{1504-the lady 's maid} . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} listened at the door , waiting till the muffled sounds of [their]_3499-their footsteps died away in [the octagon chamber]_{3500-the octagon chamber} and on the carpeted staircase . " [Martin]_207-martin sleeps at [the top of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{610-the top of the house} , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said , " half a mile away from [this room]_{5247-this room} . In ten minutes [I]_{150-lady audley} may safely make [my]_{150-lady audley} escape . "_{[150-lady audley]} [She]_{150-lady audley} went back into [[her]_{150-lady audley} dressing - room]_{5211-her dressing - room} , and put on [her]_{150-lady audley} cloak and bonnet for the second time . The unnatural color still burnt like a flame in [her]_{150-lady audley} cheeks ; the unnatural light still glittered in [her]_{150-lady audley} eyes . The excitement which [she]_{150-lady audley} was under held [her]_{150-lady audley} in so strong a spell that neither [her]_{150-lady audley} mind nor [her]_{150-lady audley} body seemed to have any consciousness of fatigue . However verbose [I]_0-i may be in [my]_0-i description of [her]_{150-lady audley} feelings , [I]_0-i can never describe a tithe of [her]_{150-lady audley} thoughts or [her]_{150-lady audley} sufferings . [She]_{150-lady audley} suffered agonies that would fill closely printed volumes , bulky with a thousand pages , in that one horrible night . [She]_{150-lady audley} underwent volumes of anguish , and doubt , and perplexity ; sometimes repeating the same chapters of [her]_{150-lady audley} torments over and over again ; sometimes hurrying through a thousand pages of [her]_{150-lady audley} misery without one pause , without one moment of breathing time . [She]_{150-lady audley} stood by the low fender in [her]_{150-lady audley} boudoir , watching the minute - hand of the clock , and waiting till it should be time for [her]_{150-lady audley} to leave [the house]_{388-the house} in safety . " [I]_{150-lady audley} will wait ten minutes , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said , " not a moment beyond , before [I]_{150-lady audley} enter on [my]_{150-lady audley} new peril . "_{[150-lady audley]} [She]_{150-lady audley} listened to the wild roaring of the March wind , which seemed to have risen with the stillness and darkness of the night . The hand slowly made its inevitable way to [the figures which told that the ten minutes]_{3503-the figures which told that the ten minutes} were past . It was exactly a quarter to twelve when [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} took [her]_{150-lady audley} lamp in [her]_{150-lady audley} hand , and stole softly from [the room]_{595-the room} . [Her]_{150-lady audley} footfall was as light as that of some graceful wild animal , and there was no fear of that airy step awakening any echo upon [the carpeted stone corridors and staircase]_{3506-the carpeted stone corridors and staircase} . [She]_{150-lady audley} did not pause until [she]_{150-lady audley} reached [the vestibule upon the ground floor]_{3507-the vestibule upon the ground floor} . Several doors opened out of [the vestibule]_{3508-the vestibule} , which was octagon , like [[[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's ante - chamber]_{3510-my lady 's ante - chamber} . One of these doors led into [the library]_{5301-the library} , and it was this door which [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} opened softly and cautiously . To have attempted to leave [the house]_{388-the house} secretly by any of [the principal outlets]_{3513-the principal outlets} would have been simple madness , for [the housekeeper]_{486-the housekeeper} [herself]_{486-the housekeeper} superintended the barricading of the great doors , back and front . The secrets of the bolts , and bars , and chains , and bells which secured these doors , and provided for the safety of [[Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} 's plate - room]_{3515-sir michael audley 's plate - room} , the door of which was lined with sheet - iron , were known only to [the servants who had to deal with [them]_3517-them]_{3516-the servants who had to deal with them} . But although all these precautions were taken with [the principal entrances to [the citadel]_{3519-the citadel}]_{3518-the principal entrances to the citadel} , a wooden shutter and a slender iron bar , light enough to be lifted by [a child]_{4759-a child} , were considered sufficient safeguard for the half - glass door which opened out of [the breakfast - room]_{5404-the breakfast - room} into the graveled pathway and smooth turf in [the courtyard]_{7453-the courtyard} . It was by this outlet that [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} meant to make [her]_{150-lady audley} escape . [She]_{150-lady audley} could easily remove the bar and unfasten the shutter , and [she]_{150-lady audley} might safely venture to leave the window ajar while [she]_{150-lady audley} was absent . There was little fear of [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's awaking for some time , as [he]_{146-sir michael} was a heavy sleeper in the early part of the night , and had slept more heavily than usual since [his]_{146-sir michael} illness . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} crossed [the library]_{5301-the library} , and opened the door of [the breakfast - room]_{5404-the breakfast - room} , which communicated with [it]_{5301-the library} . [This latter apartment]_{3525-this latter apartment} was [one of the later additions to [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{3526-one of the later additions to the court} . [It]_{3525-this latter apartment} was [a simple , cheerful chamber]_{3528-a simple , cheerful chamber} , with brightly papered walls and pretty maple furniture , and was more occupied by [Alicia]_149-alicia than [any one else]_{4650-any one else} . The paraphernalia of [that young lady]_{3530-that young lady} 's favorite pursuits were scattered about [the room]_{595-the room} — drawing - materials , unfinished scraps of work , tangled skeins of silk , and all the other tokens of [a careless damsel]_{3532-a careless damsel} 's presence ; while [Miss Audley]_149-alicia 's picture — a pretty crayon sketch of [a rosy - faced hoyden in a riding - habit and hat]_{3533-a rosy - faced hoyden in a riding - habit and hat} — hung over the quaint Wedgewood ornaments on the chimneypiece . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} looked upon these familiar objects with scornful hatred flaming in [her]_{468-my lady} blue eyes . " How glad [she]_{3530-that young lady} will be if any disgrace befalls [me]_{468-my lady} , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} thought ; " how [she]_{3530-that young lady} will rejoice if [I]_{468-my lady} am driven out of [this house]_{6101-this house} ! "_{[468-my lady]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} set the lamp upon a table near the fireplace , and went to the window . [She]_{150-lady audley} removed the iron - bar and the light wooden shutter , and then opened the glass - door . The March night was black and moonless , and a gust of wind blew in upon [her]_{150-lady audley} as [she]_{150-lady audley} opened this door , and filled [the room]_{595-the room} with its chilly breath , extinguishing the lamp upon the table . " No matter , "_{[468-my lady]} [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} muttered , " [I]_{150-lady audley} could not have left it burning . [I]_{150-lady audley} shall know how to find [my]_{150-lady audley} way through [the house]_{388-the house} when [I]_{150-lady audley} come back . [I]_{150-lady audley} have left all the doors ajar . "_{[150-lady audley]} [She]_{150-lady audley} stepped quickly out upon [the smooth gravel]_{3537-the smooth gravel} , and closed the glass - door behind [her]_{150-lady audley} . [She]_{150-lady audley} was afraid lest that treacherous wind should blow - to the door opening into [the library]_{5301-the library} , and thus betray [her]_{150-lady audley} . [She]_{150-lady audley} was in [the quadrangle]_{7021-the quadrangle} now , with that chill wind sweeping against [her]_{150-lady audley} , and swirling [her]_{150-lady audley} silken garments round [her]_{150-lady audley} with a shrill , rustling noise , like the whistling of a sharp breeze against the sails of [a yacht]_{849-a yacht} . [She]_{150-lady audley} crossed [the quadrangle]_{7021-the quadrangle} and looked back — looked back for a moment at the firelight gleaming between the rosy - tinted curtains in [her]_{150-lady audley} boudoir , and the dim gleam of the lamp through the mullioned windows in [the room where [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} lay asleep]_{3542-the room where sir michael audley lay asleep} . " [I]_{150-lady audley} feel as if [I]_{150-lady audley} were running away , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} thought ; " [I]_{150-lady audley} feel as if [I]_{150-lady audley} were running away secretly in the dead of the night , to lose [myself]_{150-lady audley} and be forgotten . Perhaps it would be wiser in [me]_{150-lady audley} to run away , to take [this man]_{4719-this man} 's warning , and escape out of [his]_{4719-this man} power forever . If [I]_{150-lady audley} were to run away and disappear as — as [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} disappeared . But where could [I]_{150-lady audley} go ? what would become of [me]_{150-lady audley} ? [I]_{150-lady audley} have no money ; [my]_{150-lady audley} jewels are not worth a couple of hundred pounds , now that [I]_{150-lady audley} have got rid of the best part of them . What could [I]_{150-lady audley} do ? [I]_{150-lady audley} must go back to the old life , the old , hard , cruel , wretched life — the life of poverty , and humiliation , and vexation , and discontent . [I]_{150-lady audley} should have to go back and wear [myself]_{150-lady audley} out in that long struggle , and die — as [[my]_{150-lady audley} mother]_{4646-my mother} died , perhaps ! "_{[150-lady audley]} [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} stood still for a moment on [the smooth lawn between [the quadrangle]_{7021-the quadrangle} and the archway]_{3544-the smooth lawn between the quadrangle and the archway} , with [her]_{468-my lady} head drooping upon [her]_{468-my lady} breast and [her]_{468-my lady} hands locked together , debating this question in the unnatural activity of [her]_{468-my lady} mind . [Her]_{468-my lady} attitude reflected the state of that mind — it expressed irresolution and perplexity . But presently a sudden change came over [her]_{468-my lady} ; [she]_{468-my lady} lifted [her]_{468-my lady} head — lifted it with an action of defiance and determination . " No ! [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said , aloud , in a low , clear voice ; " [I]_{468-my lady} will not go back — [I]_{468-my lady} will not go back . If the struggle between [us]_7471-us is to be a duel to the death , [you]_173-robert shall not find [me]_{468-my lady} drop [my]_{468-my lady} weapon . "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} walked with a firm and rapid step under the archway . As [she]_{468-my lady} passed under that massive arch , it seemed as if [she]_{468-my lady} disappeared into [some black gulf that had waited open to receive [her]_{468-my lady}]_{3546-some black gulf that had waited open to receive her} . The stupid clock struck twelve , and the whole archway seemed to vibrate under its heavy strokes , as [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} emerged upon the other side and joined [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , who had waited for [[her]_{150-lady audley} late mistress]_{7394-her late mistress} very near [the gateway of [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{3548-the gateway of the court} . " Now , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said , " it is three miles from here to [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} , is n't it ? "_{[468-my lady]} " Yes , [[my]_{150-lady audley} lady]_{468-my lady} . "_{[150-lady audley]} " Then [we]_7473-we can walk the distance in an hour and a half . "_{[150-lady audley]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} had not stopped to say this ; [she]_{150-lady audley} was walking quickly along [the avenue]_{754-the avenue} with [[her]_{150-lady audley} humble companion]_{3551-her humble companion} by [her]_{150-lady audley} side . Fragile and delicate as [she]_{150-lady audley} was in appearance , [she]_{150-lady audley} was [a very good walker]_{3552-a very good walker} . [She]_{150-lady audley} had been in the habit of taking long country rambles with [[Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} 's children]_{3553-mr. dawson 's children} in [her]_{150-lady audley} old days of dependence , and [she]_{150-lady audley} thought very little of a distance of three miles . " [[Your]_{150-lady audley} beautiful husband]_{7474-your beautiful husband} will sit up for [you]_{150-lady audley} , [I]_{150-lady audley} suppose , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe ? "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said , as [they]_3554-they struck across an open field that was used as [a short cut from [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} to [the high - road]_{6333-the high - road}]_{3555-a short cut from audley court to the high - road} . " Oh , yes , [[my]_{150-lady audley} lady]_{468-my lady} ; [he]_{7474-your beautiful husband} 's sure to sit up . [He]_{7474-your beautiful husband} 'll be drinking with [the man]_{634-the man} , [I]_{150-lady audley} dare say . "_{[150-lady audley]} " [The man]_{634-the man} ! [What man]_{7478-what man} ? "_{[150-lady audley]} " [The man that 's in possession]_{7479-the man that 's in possession} , [[my]_{150-lady audley} lady]_{468-my lady} . "_{[150-lady audley]} " Ah , to be sure , "_{[150-lady audley]} said [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , indifferently . It was strange that [Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's domestic troubles should seem so very far away from [her]_166-phoebe thoughts at the time [she]_166-phoebe was taking such an extraordinary step toward setting things right at [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn} . [The two women]_{1218-the two women} crossed [the field]_{5295-the field} and turned into [the high road]_{3559-the high road} . The way to [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} was all [up hill]_{3560-up hill} , and [the long road]_{3561-the long road} looked black and dreary in the dark night ; but [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} walked on with a desperate courage , which was no common constituent in [her]_{468-my lady} selfish sensuous nature , but a strange faculty born out of [her]_{468-my lady} great despair . [She]_{468-my lady} did not speak again to [[her]_{468-my lady} companion]_{788-her companion} until [they]_{1218-the two women} were close upon the glimmering lights at [the top of [the hill]_{1906-the hill}]_{3564-the top of the hill} . One of these village lights , glaring redly through a crimson curtain , marked out the particular window behind which it was likely that [Luke Marks]_167-luke sat nodding drowsily over [his]_167-luke liquor , and waiting for the coming of [[his]_167-luke wife]_{554-his wife} . " [He]_167-luke has not gone to bed , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_{[468-my lady]} said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , eagerly . " But there is no other light burning at [the inn]_{5152-the inn} . [I]_{468-my lady} suppose [Mr. Audley]_173-robert is in bed and asleep . "_{[468-my lady]} " Yes , [[my]_{468-my lady} lady]_{468-my lady} , [I]_{468-my lady} suppose so . "_{[468-my lady]} " [You]_{468-my lady} are sure [he]_167-luke was going to stay at [the Castle]_{4914-the castle} to night ? "_{[468-my lady]} " Oh , yes , [[my]_{468-my lady} lady]_{468-my lady} . [I]_{468-my lady} helped [the girl]_{753-the girl} to get [[his]_167-luke room]_{6452-his room} ready before [I]_{468-my lady} came away . "_{[468-my lady]} The wind , boisterous everywhere , was even shriller and more pitiless in the neighborhood of [that bleak hill - top upon which [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn}]_{3568-that bleak hill - top upon which the castle inn} reared [its]_{1595-the castle inn} rickety walls . The cruel blasts raved wildly round that frail erection . [They]_3570-they disported [themselves]_3570-they with [the shattered pigeon - house]_{3571-the shattered pigeon - house} , the broken weathercock , the loose tiles , and unshapely chimneys ; [they]_3570-they rattled at the window - panes , and whistled in the crevices ; [they]_3570-they mocked [the feeble building]_{3572-the feeble building} from foundation to roof , and battered , and banged , and tormented [it]_{3572-the feeble building} in [their]_3570-they fierce gambols , until [it]_{3572-the feeble building} trembled and rocked with the force of [their]_3570-they rough play . [Mr. Luke Marks]_167-luke had not troubled [himself]_167-luke to secure the door of [[his]_167-luke dwelling - house]_{3573-his dwelling - house} before sitting down to booze with [the man who held provisional possession of [his]_167-luke goods and chattels]_{3574-the man who held provisional possession of his goods and chattels} . [The landlord of [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn}]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} was [a lazy , sensual brute]_{3577-a lazy , sensual brute} , who had no thought higher than a selfish concern for [his]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} own enjoyments , and a virulent hatred for anybody who stood in the way of [his]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} gratification . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe pushed open the door with [her]_166-phoebe hand , and went into [the house]_{388-the house} , followed by [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . The gas was flaring in the bar , and smoking the low plastered ceiling . The door of [the bar - parlor]_{1874-the bar - parlor} was half open , and [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} heard the brutal laughter of [Mr. Marks]_167-luke as [she]_{150-lady audley} crossed the threshold of [the inn]_{5152-the inn} . " [I]_166-phoebe 'll tell [him]_167-luke [you]_{7394-her late mistress} 're here , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[166-phoebe] whispered [Phoebe]_166-phoebe to [[her]_166-phoebe late mistress]_{7394-her late mistress} . " [I]_166-phoebe know [he]_167-luke 'll be tipsy . [You]_{7394-her late mistress} — [you]_{7394-her late mistress} wo n't be offended , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , if [he]_167-luke should say anything rude ? [You]_{7394-her late mistress} know it was n't [my]_166-phoebe wish that [you]_{7394-her late mistress} should come . "_[166-phoebe] " Yes , yes , "_{[150-lady audley]} answered [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , impatiently , " [I]_{150-lady audley} know that . What should [I]_{150-lady audley} care for [his]_167-luke rudeness ! Let [him]_167-luke say what [he]_167-luke likes . "_{[150-lady audley]} [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe pushed open the parlor door , leaving [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} in the bar close behind [her]_166-phoebe . [Luke]_167-luke sat with [his]_167-luke clumsy legs stretched out upon the hearth . [He]_167-luke held a glass of gin - and - water in one hand and the poker in the other . [He]_167-luke had just thrust the poker into a heap of black coals , and was scattering them to make a blaze , when [[his]_167-luke wife]_{554-his wife} appeared upon the threshold of [the room]_{595-the room} . [He]_167-luke snatched the poker from between the bars , and made a half drunken , half threatening motion with it as [he]_167-luke saw [her]_{554-his wife} . " So [you]_{554-his wife} 've condescended to come [home]_479-home at last , [ma'am]_6062-ma'am , "_[167-luke] [he]_167-luke said ; " [I]_167-luke thought [you]_{554-his wife} was never coming no more . "_[167-luke] [He]_167-luke spoke in a thick and drunken voice , and was by no means too intelligible . [He]_167-luke was steeped to the very lips in alcohol . [His]_167-luke eyes were dim and watery ; [his]_167-luke hands were unsteady ; [his]_167-luke voice was choked and muffled with drink . [A brute]_{3586-a brute} , even when most sober ; [a brute]_{3586-a brute} , even on [his]_{3586-a brute} best behavior , [he]_{3586-a brute} was ten times more brutal in [his]_{3586-a brute} drunkenness , when the few restraints which held [his]_{3586-a brute} ignorant , every day brutality in check were flung aside in the indolent recklessness of intoxication . " [I]_166-phoebe — [I've]_166-phoebe been longer than [I]_166-phoebe intended to be , [Luke]_167-luke , "_[166-phoebe] [Phoebe]_166-phoebe answered , in [her]_166-phoebe most conciliatory manner ; " but [I]_166-phoebe 've seen [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , and [she]_{468-my lady} 's been very kind , and — and [she]_{468-my lady} 'll settle this business for [us]_7492-us . "_[166-phoebe] " [She]_{468-my lady} 's been very kind , has [she]_{468-my lady} ? "_[167-luke] muttered [Mr. Marks]_167-luke , with a drunken laugh ; " thank [her]_{468-my lady} for nothing . [I]_167-luke know the vally of [her]_{468-my lady} kindness . [She]_{468-my lady} 'd be oncommon kind , [I]_167-luke dessay , if [she]_{468-my lady} warn't obligated to be it . "_[167-luke] [The man in possession , who had fallen into a maudlin and semi - unconscious state of intoxication]_{3588-the man in possession , who had fallen into a maudlin and semi - unconscious state of intoxication} upon about a third of the liquor that [Mr. Marks]_167-luke had consumed , only stared in feeble wonderment at [[his]_{3588-the man in possession , who had fallen into a maudlin and semi - unconscious state of intoxication} host]_{3589-his host} and [hostess]_3590-hostess . [He]_{3588-the man in possession , who had fallen into a maudlin and semi - unconscious state of intoxication} sat near the table . Indeed , [he]_{3588-the man in possession , who had fallen into a maudlin and semi - unconscious state of intoxication} had hooked [himself]_{3588-the man in possession , who had fallen into a maudlin and semi - unconscious state of intoxication} on to it with [his]_{3588-the man in possession , who had fallen into a maudlin and semi - unconscious state of intoxication} elbows , as a safeguard against sliding under it , and [he]_{3588-the man in possession , who had fallen into a maudlin and semi - unconscious state of intoxication} was making imbecile attempts to light [his]_{3588-the man in possession , who had fallen into a maudlin and semi - unconscious state of intoxication} pipe at the flame of a guttering tallow candle near [him]_{3588-the man in possession , who had fallen into a maudlin and semi - unconscious state of intoxication} . " [[My]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} has promised to settle the business for [us]_7494-us , [Luke]_167-luke , "_[166-phoebe] [Phoebe]_166-phoebe repeated , without noticing [Luke]_167-luke 's remarks . [She]_166-phoebe knew [[her]_166-phoebe husband]_{469-her husband} 's dogged nature well enough by this time to know that it was worse than useless to try to stop [him]_{469-her husband} from doing or saying anything which [his]_{469-her husband} own stubborn will led [him]_{469-her husband} to do or say . " [[My]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} will settle it , "_[166-phoebe] [she]_166-phoebe said , " and [she]_{468-my lady} 's come down here to see about it to - night , "_[166-phoebe] [she]_166-phoebe added . The poker dropped from [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} 's hand , and fell clattering among the cinders on the hearth . " [[My]_{469-her husband} Lady [Audley]_{150-lady audley}]_{7496-my lady audley} come here to - night ! "_{[469-her husband]} [he]_{469-her husband} said . " Yes , [Luke]_167-luke . "_{[469-her husband]} [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} appeared upon the threshold of the door as [Phoebe]_166-phoebe spoke . " Yes , [Luke Marks]_167-luke , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said , " [I]_{468-my lady} have come to pay [this man]_{4719-this man} , and to send [him]_{4719-this man} about [his]_{4719-this man} business . "_{[468-my lady]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} said these words in a strange , semi - mechanical manner ; very much as if [she]_{468-my lady} had learned the sentence by rote , and were repeating it without knowing what [she]_{468-my lady} said . [Mr. Marks]_167-luke gave a discontented growl , and set [his]_167-luke empty glass down upon the table with an impatient gesture . " [You]_166-phoebe might have given the money to [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_[167-luke] [he]_167-luke said , " as well as have brought it [yourself]_166-phoebe . [We]_7498-we do n't want [no fine ladies]_{7499-no fine ladies} up here , pryin ' and pokin ' [their]_{7499-no fine ladies} precious noses into everythink . "_[167-luke] " [Luke]_167-luke , [Luke]_167-luke ! "_[166-phoebe] remonstrated [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , " when [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} has been so kind ! "_[166-phoebe] " Oh , damn [her]_{468-my lady} kindness ! "_[167-luke] cried [Mr. Marks]_167-luke ; " it ai n't [her]_{468-my lady} kindness as [we]_7498-we want , [gal]_7501-gal , it 's [her]_{468-my lady} money . [She]_{468-my lady} wo n't get no snivelin ' gratitood from [me]_167-luke . Whatever [she]_{468-my lady} does for [us]_7498-we [she]_{468-my lady} does because [she]_{468-my lady} is obliged ; and if [she]_{468-my lady} was n't obliged [she]_{468-my lady} would n't do it — "_[167-luke] Heaven knows how much more [Luke Marks]_167-luke might have said , had not [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} turned upon [him]_167-luke suddenly and awed [him]_167-luke into silence by the unearthly glitter of [her]_{468-my lady} beauty . [Her]_{468-my lady} hair had been blown away from [her]_{468-my lady} face , and being of a light , feathery quality , had spread itself into a tangled mass that surrounded [her]_{468-my lady} forehead like a yellow flame . There was another flame in [her]_{468-my lady} eyes — a greenish light , such as might flash from the changing - hued orbs of an angry mermaid . " Stop , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} cried . " [I]_{468-my lady} did n't come up here in the dead of night to listen to [your]_167-luke insolence . How much is this debt ? "_{[468-my lady]} " Nine pound . "_{[150-lady audley]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} produced [her]_{150-lady audley} purse — a toy of ivory , silver , and turquoise — [she]_{150-lady audley} took from it a note and four sovereigns . [She]_{150-lady audley} laid these upon the table . " Let [that man]_{1095-that man} give [me]_{150-lady audley} a receipt for the money , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said , " before [I]_{150-lady audley} go . "_{[150-lady audley]} It was some time before [the man]_{634-the man} could be roused into sufficient consciousness for the performance of this simple duty , and it was only by dipping a pen into the ink and pushing it between [his]_{634-the man} clumsy fingers , that [he]_{634-the man} was at last made to comprehend that [his]_{634-the man} autograph was wanted at the bottom of the receipt which had been made out by [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} took the document as soon as the ink was dry , and turned to leave [the parlor]_{4803-the parlor} . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe followed [her]_{150-lady audley} . " [You]_{150-lady audley} must n't go [home]_479-home alone , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[166-phoebe] [she]_166-phoebe said . " [You]_{150-lady audley} 'll let [me]_166-phoebe go with [you]_{150-lady audley} ? "_[166-phoebe] " Yes , yes ; [you]_{150-lady audley} shall go [home]_479-home with [me]_{1218-the two women} . "_{[1218-the two women]} [The two women]_{1218-the two women} were standing near the door of [the inn]_{5152-the inn} as [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} said this . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe stared wonderingly at [[her]_166-phoebe patroness]_{3600-her patroness} . [She]_{3600-her patroness} had expected that [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} would be in a hurry to return [home]_479-home after settling this business which [she]_{3600-her patroness} had capriciously taken upon [herself]_{3600-her patroness} ; but it was not so ; [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} stood leaning against [the inn]_{5152-the inn} door and staring into vacancy , and again [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} began to fear that trouble had driven [[her]_{221-mrs. marks} late mistress]_{7394-her late mistress} mad . A little Dutch clock in [the bar]_{4928-the bar} struck two while [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} lingered in this irresolute , absent manner . [She]_{150-lady audley} started at the sound and began to tremble violently . " [I]_{150-lady audley} think [I]_{150-lady audley} am going to faint , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said ; " where can [I]_{150-lady audley} get some cold water ? "_{[150-lady audley]} " The pump is in [the wash - house]_{7506-the wash - house} , [[my]_{150-lady audley} lady]_{468-my lady} ; [I]_{150-lady audley} 'll run and get [you]_166-phoebe a glass of cold water . "_{[150-lady audley]} " No , no , no , "_{[468-my lady]} cried [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , clutching [Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's arm as [she]_{468-my lady} was about to run away upon this errand ; " [I]_{468-my lady} 'll get it [myself]_{468-my lady} . [I]_{468-my lady} must dip [my]_{468-my lady} head in a basin of water if [I]_{468-my lady} want to save [myself]_{468-my lady} from fainting . In which [room]_1174-room does [Mr. Audley]_173-robert sleep ? "_{[468-my lady]} There was something so irrelevant in this question that [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe stared aghast at [[her]_166-phoebe mistress]_{1497-her mistress} before [she]_166-phoebe answered it . " It was number three that [I]_166-phoebe got ready , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} — [the front room]_{7510-the front room} — [the room next to [ours]_7512-ours]_{7511-the room next to ours} , "_[166-phoebe] [she]_166-phoebe replied , after that pause of astonishment . " Give [me]_{468-my lady} a candle , "_{[468-my lady]} said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . " [I]_{468-my lady} 'll go into [[your]_{1497-her mistress} room]_{7513-your room} , and get some water for [my]_{468-my lady} head ; stay where [you]_{1497-her mistress} are , and see that [that brute of [a husband of yours]_{7515-a husband of yours}]_{7514-that brute of a husband of yours} does not follow [me]_{468-my lady} ! "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} snatched the candle which [Phoebe]_166-phoebe had lighted from [the girl]_{753-the girl} 's hand and ran up the rickety , winding staircase which led to [the narrow corridor upon [the upper floor]_{3611-the upper floor}]_{3610-the narrow corridor upon the upper floor} . [Five bed - rooms]_{3612-five bed - rooms} opened out of [this low - ceilinged , close - smelling corridor]_{3613-this low - ceilinged , close - smelling corridor} ; the numbers of [these rooms]_{3614-these rooms} were indicated by squat black figures painted upon the panels of the doors . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} had driven up to [Mount Stanning]_{222-mount stanning} to inspect [the house]_{388-the house} when [she]_{150-lady audley} bought the business for [[her]_{150-lady audley} servant 's bridegroom]_{3616-her servant 's bridegroom} , and [she]_{150-lady audley} knew [her]_{150-lady audley} way about [the dilapidated old place]_{3617-the dilapidated old place} ; [she]_{150-lady audley} knew where to find [[Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's bedroom]_{3618-phoebe 's bedroom} , but [she]_{150-lady audley} stopped before the door of [that other chamber which had been prepared for [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert]_{3619-that other chamber which had been prepared for mr. robert audley} . [She]_{150-lady audley} stopped and looked at the number on the door . The key was in the lock , and [her]_{150-lady audley} hand dropped upon it as if unconsciously . But presently [she]_{150-lady audley} suddenly began to tremble again , as [she]_{150-lady audley} had trembled a few minutes before at the striking of the clock . [She]_{150-lady audley} stood for a few moments trembling thus , with [her]_{150-lady audley} hand still upon the key ; then a horrible expression came over [her]_{150-lady audley} face , and [she]_{150-lady audley} turned the key in the lock . [She]_{150-lady audley} turned it twice , double locking the door . There was no sound from within ; [the occupant of [the chamber]_{3621-the chamber}]_{3620-the occupant of the chamber} made no sign of having heard that ominous creaking of the rusty key in the rusty lock . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} hurried into [the next room]_{4946-the next room} . [She]_{150-lady audley} set the candle on the dressing - table , flung off [her]_{150-lady audley} bonnet and slung it loosely across [her]_{150-lady audley} arm ; then [she]_{150-lady audley} went to the wash - stand and filled the basin with water . [She]_{150-lady audley} plunged [her]_{150-lady audley} golden hair into this water , and then stood for a few moments in the center of [the room]_{595-the room} looking about [her]_{150-lady audley} , with a white , earnest face , and an eager gaze that seemed to take in every object in [the poorly furnished chamber]_{3624-the poorly furnished chamber} . [[Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's bedroom]_{3618-phoebe 's bedroom} was certainly very shabbily furnished ; [she]_{150-lady audley} had been compelled to select all the most decent things for [those best bedrooms which were set apart for [any chance traveler who might stop for a night]_{3627-any chance traveler who might stop for a night} 's lodging at [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn}]_{3626-those best bedrooms which were set apart for any chance traveler who might stop for a night 's lodging at the castle inn} ; but [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe had done [her]_166-phoebe best to atone for the lack of substantial furniture in [[her]_166-phoebe apartment]_{3628-her apartment} by a superabundance of drapery . Crisp curtains of cheap chintz hung from [the tent - bedstead]_{3629-the tent - bedstead} ; festooned drapery of the same material shrouded the narrow window shutting out the light of day , and affording a pleasant harbor for tribes of flies and predatory bands of spiders . Even the looking - glass , a miserably cheap construction which distorted every face whose owner had the hardihood to look into it , stood upon a draperied altar of starched muslin and pink glazed calico , and was adorned with frills of lace and knitted work . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} smiled as [she]_{468-my lady} looked at the festoons and furbelows which met [her]_{468-my lady} eyes upon every side . [She]_{468-my lady} had reason , perhaps , to smile , remembering the costly elegance of [[her]_{468-my lady} own apartments]_{1788-her own apartments} ; but there was something in that sardonic smile that seemed to have a deeper meaning than any natural contempt for [Phoebe]_166-phoebe 's attempts at decoration . [She]_{468-my lady} went to the dressing - table and , smoothed [her]_{468-my lady} wet hair before the looking - glass , and then put on [her]_{468-my lady} bonnet . [She]_{468-my lady} was obliged to place the flaming tallow candle very close to the lace furbelows about the glass ; so close that the starched muslin seemed to draw the flame toward it by some power of attraction in its fragile tissue . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe waited anxiously by [the inn]_{5152-the inn} door for [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's coming [She]_166-phoebe watched the minute hand of the little Dutch clock , wondering at the slowness of its progress . It was only ten minutes past two when [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} came down [- stairs]_{3634-- stairs} , with [her]_{150-lady audley} bonnet on and [her]_{150-lady audley} hair still wet , but without the candle . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe was immediately anxious about this missing candle . " The light , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[166-phoebe] [she]_166-phoebe said , " [you]_{468-my lady} have left it up - [stairs]_5306-stairs ! "_[166-phoebe] " The wind blew it out as [I]_{150-lady audley} was leaving [[your]_{468-my lady} room]_{7513-your room} , "_{[150-lady audley]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} answered , quietly . " [I]_{150-lady audley} left it [there]_374-there . "_{[150-lady audley]} " In [[my]_166-phoebe room]_{6080-my room} , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} ? "_[166-phoebe] " Yes . "_[166-phoebe] " And it was quite out ? "_{[150-lady audley]} " Yes , [I]_166-phoebe tell [you]_{468-my lady} ; why do [you]_{468-my lady} worry [me]_166-phoebe about [your]_{468-my lady} candle ? It is past two o'clock . Come . "_[166-phoebe] [She]_166-phoebe took [the girl]_{753-the girl} 's arm , and half led , half dragged [her]_{753-the girl} from [the house]_{388-the house} . The convulsive pressure of [her]_166-phoebe slight hand held [her]_{753-the girl} firmly as an iron vise could have held [her]_{753-the girl} . The fierce March wind banged to the door of [the house]_{388-the house} , and left [the two women]_{1218-the two women} standing outside [it]_{388-the house} . [The long , black road]_{3639-the long , black road} lay bleak and desolate before [them]_{1218-the two women} , dimly visible between [straight lines of leafless hedges]_{3640-straight lines of leafless hedges} . A walk of three miles ' length upon [a lonely country road]_{3641-a lonely country road} , between the hours of two and four on a cold winter 's morning , is scarcely a pleasant task for [a delicate woman]_{3642-a delicate woman} — [a woman whose inclinations lean toward ease and luxury]_{3643-a woman whose inclinations lean toward ease and luxury} . But [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} hurried along [the hard , dry highway]_{3645-the hard , dry highway} , dragging [[her]_166-phoebe companion]_{788-her companion} with [her]_166-phoebe as if [she]_166-phoebe had been impelled by some horrible demoniac force which knew no abatement . With the black night above [them]_{1218-the two women} — with the fierce wind howling around [them]_{1218-the two women} , sweeping across [a broad expanse of hidden country]_{3647-a broad expanse of hidden country} , blowing as if it had arisen simultaneously from every point of the compass , and making those wanderers the focus of its ferocity — [the two women]_{1218-the two women} walked through the darkness down [the hill upon which [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} stood]_{3649-the hill upon which mount stanning stood} , along a mile and [a half of flat road]_{3650-a half of flat road} , and then up [another hill]_{3651-another hill} , on [the western side of which [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{3652-the western side of which audley court} lay in [that sheltered valley]_{3653-that sheltered valley} , which seemed to shut in [the old house]_{2590-the old house} from all the clamor and hubbub of [the everyday world]_{3655-the everyday world} . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} stopped upon [the summit of [this hill]_{3658-this hill}]_{3657-the summit of this hill} to draw breath and to clasp [her]_{468-my lady} hands upon [her]_{468-my lady} heart , in the vain hope that [she]_{468-my lady} might still its cruel beating . [They]_{1218-the two women} were now within three - quarters of a mile of [the Court]_{373-the court} , and [they]_{1218-the two women} had been walking for nearly an hour since [they]_{1218-the two women} had left [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn} . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} stopped to rest , with [her]_{150-lady audley} face still turned toward [the place of [her]_{150-lady audley} destination]_{3661-the place of her destination} . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , stopping also , and very glad of a moment 's pause in that hurried journey , looked back into the far darkness beneath which lay that dreary shelter that had given [her]_166-phoebe so much uneasiness . And [she]_166-phoebe did so , [she]_166-phoebe uttered a shrill cry of horror , and clutched wildly at [[her]_166-phoebe companion]_{788-her companion} 's cloak . The night sky was no longer all dark . The thick blackness was broken by one patch of lurid light . " [[My]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} ! "_[166-phoebe] cried [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , pointing to this lurid patch ; " do [you]_{468-my lady} see ? "_[166-phoebe] " Yes , [child]_4733-child , [I]_{150-lady audley} see , "_{[150-lady audley]} answered [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , trying to shake the clinging hands from [her]_{150-lady audley} garments . " What 's the matter ? "_{[150-lady audley]} " It 's a fire — a fire , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} ! "_[166-phoebe] " Yes , [I]_166-phoebe am afraid it is a fire . At [Brentwood]_65-brentwood , most likely . Let [me]_166-phoebe go , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe ; it 's nothing to [us]_7526-us . "_[166-phoebe] " Yes , yes , [[my]_{150-lady audley} lady]_{468-my lady} ; it 's nearer than [Brentwood]_65-brentwood — much nearer ; it 's at [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} . "_{[150-lady audley]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} did not answer . [She]_{150-lady audley} was trembling again , with the cold perhaps , for the wind had torn [her]_{150-lady audley} heavy cloak from [her]_{150-lady audley} shoulders , and had left [her]_{150-lady audley} slender figure exposed to the blast . " It 's at [Mount Stanning]_{222-mount stanning} , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} ! "_[166-phoebe] cried [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe . " It 's [the Castle]_{4914-the castle} that 's on fire — [I]_{753-the girl} know it is , [I]_{753-the girl} know it is ! [I]_{753-the girl} thought of fire to - night , and [I]_{753-the girl} was fidgety and uneasy , for [I]_{753-the girl} knew this would happen some day . [I]_{753-the girl} would n't mind if it was only [the wretched place]_{7530-the wretched place} , but there 'll be life lost , there 'll be life lost ! "_{[753-the girl]} sobbed [the girl]_{753-the girl} , distractedly . " There 's [Luke]_167-luke , too tipsy to help [himself]_167-luke , unless [others]_5097-others help [him]_167-luke ; there 's [Mr. Audley]_173-robert asleep — "_{[753-the girl]} [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe stopped suddenly at the mention of [Robert]_173-robert 's name , and fell upon [her]_166-phoebe knees , clasping [her]_166-phoebe uplifted hands , and appealing wildly to [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . " Oh , [[my]_166-phoebe God]_{5536-my god} ! "_[166-phoebe] [she]_166-phoebe cried . " Say it 's not true , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , say it 's not true ! It 's too horrible , it 's too horrible , it 's too horrible ! "_[166-phoebe] " What 's too horrible ? "_{[3665-the kneeling woman]} " The thought that 's in [my]_166-phoebe mind ; the terrible thought that 's in [my]_166-phoebe mind . "_[166-phoebe] " What do [you]_166-phoebe mean , [girl]_3405-girl ? "_{[468-my lady]} cried [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , fiercely . " Oh , [God]_164-god forgive [me]_{3665-the kneeling woman} if [I]_{3665-the kneeling woman} 'm wrong ! "_{[3665-the kneeling woman]} [the kneeling woman]_{3665-the kneeling woman} gasped in detached sentences , " and [God]_164-god grant [I]_{3665-the kneeling woman} may be . Why did [you]_166-phoebe go up to [the Castle]_{113-the castle} , [[my]_{3665-the kneeling woman} lady]_{468-my lady} ? Why were [you]_166-phoebe so set on going against all [I]_{3665-the kneeling woman} could say — [you]_166-phoebe who are so bitter against [Mr. Audley]_173-robert and against [Luke]_167-luke , and who knew [they]_7536-they were [both under that roof]_{7537-both under that roof} ? Oh , tell [me]_{3665-the kneeling woman} that [I]_{3665-the kneeling woman} do [you]_166-phoebe a cruel wrong , [[my]_{3665-the kneeling woman} lady]_{468-my lady} ; tell [me]_{3665-the kneeling woman} so — tell [me]_{3665-the kneeling woman} ! for as there is a Heaven above [me]_{3665-the kneeling woman} [I]_{3665-the kneeling woman} think that [you]_166-phoebe went to [that place]_{7539-that place} to - night on purpose to set fire to [it]_{7539-that place} . Tell [me]_{3665-the kneeling woman} that [I]_{3665-the kneeling woman} 'm wrong , [[my]_{3665-the kneeling woman} lady]_{468-my lady} ; tell [me]_{3665-the kneeling woman} that [I]_{3665-the kneeling woman} 'm doing [you]_166-phoebe a wicked wrong . "_{[3665-the kneeling woman]} " [I]_{150-lady audley} will tell [you]_166-phoebe nothing , except that [you]_166-phoebe are [a mad woman]_{7541-a mad woman} , "_{[150-lady audley]} answered [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} ; in a cold , hard voice . " Get up ; [fool]_3378-fool , [idiot]_7543-idiot , [coward]_7544-coward ! Is [[your]_166-phoebe husband]_{3377-your husband} such a precious bargain that [you]_166-phoebe should be groveling there , lamenting and groaning for [him]_{3377-your husband} ? What is [Robert Audley]_173-robert to [you]_166-phoebe , that [you]_166-phoebe behave like [a maniac]_{7546-a maniac} , because [you]_166-phoebe think [he]_{3377-your husband} is in danger ? How do [you]_166-phoebe know the fire is at [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} ? [You]_166-phoebe see a red patch in the sky , and [you]_166-phoebe cry out directly that [[your]_166-phoebe own paltry hovel]_{7547-your own paltry hovel} is in flames , as if there were no place in [the world that could burn except that]_{7548-the world that could burn except that} . The fire may be at [Brentwood]_65-brentwood , or further away — at [Romford]_66-romford , or still further away , on [the eastern side of [London]_3-london]_{7549-the eastern side of london} , perhaps . Get up , [mad woman]_{7550-mad woman} , and go back and look after [your]_166-phoebe goods and chattels , and [[your]_166-phoebe husband]_{3377-your husband} and [[your]_166-phoebe lodger]_{7552-your lodger} . Get up and go : [I]_{150-lady audley} do n't want [you]_166-phoebe . "_{[150-lady audley]} " Oh ! [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} , forgive [me]_166-phoebe , "_[166-phoebe] sobbed [Phoebe]_166-phoebe ; " there 's nothing [you]_166-phoebe can say to [me]_166-phoebe that 's hard enough for having done [you]_166-phoebe such a wrong , even in [my]_166-phoebe thoughts . [I]_166-phoebe do n't mind [your]_166-phoebe cruel words — [I]_166-phoebe do n't mind anything if [I]_166-phoebe 'm wrong . "_[166-phoebe] " Go back and see for [yourself]_166-phoebe , "_{[150-lady audley]} answered [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , sternly . " [I]_{150-lady audley} tell [you]_166-phoebe again , [I]_{150-lady audley} do n't want [you]_166-phoebe . "_{[150-lady audley]} [She]_{150-lady audley} walked away in the darkness , leaving [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe still kneeling upon [the hard road]_{3666-the hard road} , where [she]_{150-lady audley} had cast [herself]_{150-lady audley} in that agony of supplication . [[Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's wife]_{6544-sir michael 's wife} walked toward [the house in which [[her]_{6544-sir michael 's wife} husband]_{469-her husband} slept]_{3668-the house in which her husband slept} with the red blaze lighting up the skies behind [her]_{6544-sir michael 's wife} , and with nothing but the blackness of the night before . It was very late the next morning when [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} emerged from [[her]_{150-lady audley} dressing - room]_{5211-her dressing - room} , exquisitely dressed in a morning costume of delicate muslin , delicate laces , and embroideries ; but with a very pale face , and with half - circles of purple shadow under [her]_{150-lady audley} eyes . [She]_{150-lady audley} accounted for this pale face and these hollow eyes by declaring that [she]_{150-lady audley} had sat up reading until a very late hour on the previous night . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} and [[his]_{146-sir michael} young wife]_{5117-his young wife} breakfasted in [the library]_{5301-the library} at a comfortable round table , wheeled close to the blazing fire ; and [Alicia]_149-alicia was compelled to share this meal with [[her]_149-alicia step - mother]_{5119-her step - mother} , however [she]_149-alicia might avoid [that lady]_{499-that lady} in the long interval between breakfast and dinner . The March morning was bleak and dull , and a drizzling rain fell incessantly , obscuring the landscape and blotting out the distance . There were very few letters by the morning post ; the daily newspapers did not arrive until noon ; and such aids to conversation being missing , there was very little talk at the breakfast table . [Alicia]_149-alicia looked out at the drizzling rain drifting against the broad window - panes . " No riding to - day , "_[149-alicia] [she]_149-alicia said ; " and no chance of [any callers]_{7555-any callers} to enliven [us]_7556-us , unless [that ridiculous Bob]_{7557-that ridiculous bob} comes crawling through the wet from [Mount Stanning]_{222-mount stanning} . "_[149-alicia] Have [you]_3675-you ever heard [anybody]_706-anybody , whom [you]_3675-you knew to be dead , alluded to in a light , easy going manner by [another person who did not know of [his]_3678-his death — alluded to as doing that or this , as performing some trivial everyday operation — when [you]_3675-you know that [he]_3678-his has vanished away from the face of [this earth]_{1644-this earth} , and separated [himself]_3678-his forever from [all living creatures]_{3680-all living creatures} and [their]_{3680-all living creatures} commonplace pursuits in the awful solemnity of death]_{3677-another person who did not know of his death — alluded to as doing that or this , as performing some trivial everyday operation — when you know that he has vanished away from the face of this earth , and separated himself forever from all living creatures and their commonplace pursuits in the awful solemnity of death} ? Such a chance allusion , insignificant though it may be , is apt to send a strange thrill of pain through the mind . The ignorant remark jars discordantly upon the hyper - sensitive brain ; [the King of Terrors]_{3681-the king of terrors} is desecrated by that unwitting disrespect . Heaven knows what hidden reason [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} may have had for experiencing some such revulsion of feeling on the sudden mention of [Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's name , but [her]_{468-my lady} pale face blanched to a sickly white as [Alicia Audley]_149-alicia spoke of [[her]_{468-my lady} cousin]_{790-her cousin} . " Yes , [he]_3678-his will come down here in the wet , perhaps , "_{[5100-the young lady]} [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} continued , " with [his]_3678-his hat sleek and shining as if it had been brushed with a pat of fresh butter , and with white vapors steaming out of [his]_3678-his clothes , and making [him]_3678-his look like [an awkward genie]_{7558-an awkward genie} just let out of [his]_3678-his bottle . [He]_3678-his will come down here and print impressions of [his]_3678-his muddy boots all over the carpet , and [he]_3678-his 'll sit on [your]_{5100-the young lady} Gobelin tapestry , [[my]_{5100-the young lady} lady]_{468-my lady} , in [his]_3678-his wet overcoat ; and [he]_3678-his 'll abuse [you]_{5100-the young lady} if [you]_{5100-the young lady} remonstrate , and will ask why [people have chairs that are not to be sat upon]_{7560-people have chairs that are not to be sat upon} , and why [you]_{5100-the young lady} do n't live in [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court} , and — "_{[5100-the young lady]} [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} watched [[his]_{146-sir michael} daughter]_{556-his daughter} with a thoughtful countenance as [she]_{556-his daughter} talked of [[her]_{556-his daughter} cousin]_{790-her cousin} . [She]_{556-his daughter} very often talked of [him]_{790-her cousin} , ridiculing [him]_{790-her cousin} and inveighing against [him]_{790-her cousin} in no very measured terms . But perhaps [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} thought of [a certain Signora Beatrice who very cruelly entreated [a gentleman called [Benedick]_323-benedick]_{3689-a gentleman called benedick} , but who was , it may be , heartily in love with [him]_{790-her cousin} at the same time]_{3688-a certain signora beatrice who very cruelly entreated a gentleman called benedick , but who was , it may be , heartily in love with him at the same time} . " What do [you]_149-alicia think [Major Melville]_{324-major melville} told [me]_{146-sir michael} when [he]_{324-major melville} called [here]_4776-here yesterday , [Alicia]_149-alicia ? "_{[146-sir michael]} [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} asked , presently . " [I]_149-alicia have n't the remotest idea , "_[149-alicia] replied [Alicia]_149-alicia , rather disdainfully . " Perhaps [he]_{324-major melville} told [you]_{146-sir michael} that [we]_7562-we should have another war before long , by [Ged]_325-ged , [sir]_900-sir ; or perhaps [he]_{324-major melville} told [you]_{146-sir michael} that [we]_7562-we should have a new ministry , by [Ged]_325-ged , [sir]_900-sir , for that [those fellows]_{7565-those fellows} are getting [themselves]_{7565-those fellows} into a mess , [sir]_900-sir ; or that [those other fellows]_{7567-those other fellows} were reforming this , and cutting down that , and altering the other in the army , until , by [Ged]_325-ged , [sir]_900-sir , [we]_7562-we shall have [no army]_{7569-no army} at all , by - and - by — nothing but a pack of [boys]_7570-boys , [sir]_900-sir , crammed up to the eyes with [a lot of senseless schoolmasters]_{7572-a lot of senseless schoolmasters} ' rubbish , and dressed in shell - jackets and calico helmets . Yes , [sir]_900-sir , [they]_{7565-those fellows} 're fighting in [Oudh]_114-oudh in calico helmets at this very day , [sir]_900-sir . "_[149-alicia] " [You]_{146-sir michael} 're [an impertinent minx]_{7575-an impertinent minx} , [miss]_1107-miss , "_{[465-the baronet]} answered [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} . " [Major Melville]_{324-major melville} told [me]_{465-the baronet} nothing of the kind ; but [he]_{324-major melville} told [me]_{465-the baronet} that [a very devoted admirer of [you]_{146-sir michael}]_{7577-a very devoted admirer of you} , [a certain [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers}]_{7578-a certain sir harry towers} , has forsaken [his]_{7578-a certain sir harry towers} place in [Hertfordshire]_{63-hertfordshire} , and [[his]_{7578-a certain sir harry towers} hunting stable]_{7579-his hunting stable} , and has gone on [the continent]_{4783-the continent} for a twelvemonths ' tour . "_{[465-the baronet]} [Miss Audley]_149-alicia flushed up suddenly at the mention of [[her]_149-alicia old adorer]_{3691-her old adorer} , but recovered [herself]_149-alicia very quickly . " [He]_{7578-a certain sir harry towers} has gone on [the continent]_{4783-the continent} , has [he]_{7578-a certain sir harry towers} ? "_[149-alicia] [she]_149-alicia said indifferently . " [He]_{7578-a certain sir harry towers} told [me]_149-alicia that [he]_{7578-a certain sir harry towers} meant to do so — if — if [he]_{7578-a certain sir harry towers} did n't have everything [his]_{7578-a certain sir harry towers} own way . [Poor fellow]_{2917-poor fellow} ! [he]_{7578-a certain sir harry towers} 's [a dear , good - hearted , stupid creature]_{7583-a dear , good - hearted , stupid creature} , and twenty times better than [that peripatetic , patent refrigerator]_{7584-that peripatetic , patent refrigerator} , [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert . "_[149-alicia] " [I]_{146-sir michael} wish , [Alicia]_149-alicia , [you]_149-alicia were not so fond of ridiculing [Bob]_174-bob , "_{[146-sir michael]} [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} said , gravely . " [Bob]_174-bob is [a good fellow]_{4860-a good fellow} , and [I]_{146-sir michael} 'm as fond of [him]_174-bob as if [he]_174-bob 'd been [[my]_{146-sir michael} own son]_{3314-my own son} ; and — and — [I've]_{146-sir michael} been very uncomfortable about [him]_174-bob lately . [He]_174-bob has changed very much within the last few days , and [he]_174-bob has taken all sorts of absurd ideas into [his]_174-bob head , and [[my]_{146-sir michael} lady]_{468-my lady} has alarmed [me]_{146-sir michael} about [him]_174-bob . [She]_{468-my lady} thinks — "_{[146-sir michael]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} interrupted [[her]_{150-lady audley} husband]_{469-her husband} with a grave shake of [her]_{150-lady audley} head . " It is better not to say too much about it as yet awhile , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said ; " [Alicia]_149-alicia knows what [I]_{150-lady audley} think . "_{[150-lady audley]} " Yes , "_[149-alicia] replied [Miss Audley]_149-alicia , " [[my]_149-alicia lady]_{468-my lady} thinks that [Bob]_174-bob is going mad , but [I]_149-alicia know better than that . [He]_174-bob 's not at all [the sort of person to go mad]_{7589-the sort of person to go mad} . How should such a sluggish ditch - pond of an intellect as [his]_174-bob ever work itself into a tempest ? [He]_174-bob may move about for the rest of [his]_174-bob life , perhaps , in a tranquil state of semi - idiotcy , imperfectly comprehending who [he]_174-bob is , and where [he]_174-bob 's going , and what [he]_174-bob 's doing — but [he]_174-bob 'll never go mad . "_[149-alicia] [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} did not reply to this . [He]_{146-sir michael} had been very much disturbed by [his]_{146-sir michael} conversation with [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} on the previous evening , and had silently debated the painful question , in [his]_{146-sir michael} mind ever since . [[His]_{146-sir michael} wife]_{554-his wife} — [the woman [he]_{146-sir michael} best loved and most believed in]_{3695-the woman he best loved and most believed in} — had told [him]_{146-sir michael} , with all appearance of regret and agitation , [her]_{554-his wife} conviction of [[his]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} 's insanity . [He]_{146-sir michael} tried in vain to arrive at the conclusion [he]_{146-sir michael} wished most ardently to attain ; [he]_{146-sir michael} tried in vain to think that [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} was misled by [her]_{468-my lady} own fancies , and had no foundation for what [she]_{468-my lady} said . But then , again , it suddenly flashed upon [him]_{146-sir michael} , that to think this was to arrive at a worse conclusion ; it was to transfer the horrible suspicion from [[his]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} to [[his]_{146-sir michael} wife]_{554-his wife} . [She]_{468-my lady} appeared to be possessed with an actual conviction of [Robert]_173-robert 's insanity . To imagine [her]_{468-my lady} wrong was to imagine some weakness in [her]_{468-my lady} own mind . The longer [he]_{146-sir michael} thought of the subject the more it harassed and perplexed [him]_{146-sir michael} . It was most certain that [the young man]_{667-the young man} had always been eccentric . [He]_{667-the young man} was sensible , [he]_{667-the young man} was tolerably clever , [he]_{667-the young man} was honorable and gentlemanlike in feeling , though perhaps a little careless in the performance of certain minor social duties ; but there were some slight differences , not easily to be defined , that separated [him]_{667-the young man} from [other men of [his]_{667-the young man} age and position]_{3701-other men of his age and position} . Then , again , it was equally true that [he]_{667-the young man} had very much changed within the period that had succeeded the disappearance of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . [He]_{667-the young man} had grown moody and thoughtful , melancholy and absent - minded . [He]_{667-the young man} had held [himself]_{667-the young man} aloof from society , had sat for hours without speaking ; had talked at other points by fits and starts ; and had excited [himself]_{667-the young man} unusually in the discussion of subjects which apparently lay far out of the region of [his]_{667-the young man} own life and interests . Then there was even another region which seemed to strengthen [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's case against [this unhappy young man]_{3703-this unhappy young man} . [He]_{667-the young man} had been brought up in [the frequent society of [[his]_{667-the young man} cousin]_{786-his cousin} , [Alicia]_149-alicia — [[his]_{667-the young man} pretty , genial cousin]_{3706-his pretty , genial cousin} — to whom interest , and [one]_5487-one would have thought affection , naturally pointed as [[his]_{667-the young man} most fitting bride]_{3708-his most fitting bride}]_{3704-the frequent society of his cousin , alicia — his pretty , genial cousin — to whom interest , and one would have thought affection , naturally pointed as his most fitting bride} . More than this , [the girl]_{753-the girl} had shown [him]_{667-the young man} , in the innocent guilelessness of a transparent nature , that on [her]_{753-the girl} side at least , affection was not wanting ; and yet , in spite of all this , [he]_{667-the young man} had held [himself]_{667-the young man} aloof , and had allowed [others]_5097-others to propose for [her]_{753-the girl} hand , and to be rejected by [her]_{753-the girl} , and had still made no sign . Now love is so very subtle an essence , such an indefinable metaphysical marvel , that its due force , though very cruelly felt by [the sufferer]_{3711-the sufferer} [himself]_{3711-the sufferer} , is never clearly understood by [those who look on at its torments]_{3712-those who look on at its torments} and wonder why [he]_{3711-the sufferer} takes the common fever so badly . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} argued that because [Alicia]_149-alicia was [a pretty girl]_{4663-a pretty girl} and [an amiable girl]_{3714-an amiable girl} it was therefore extraordinary and unnatural in [Robert Audley]_173-robert not to have duly fallen in love with [her]_149-alicia . [This baronet]_{3715-this baronet} , who close upon [his]_{3715-this baronet} sixtieth birthday , had for the first time encountered that [one woman who out of [all the women in [the world]_{519-the world}]_{3717-all the women in the world} had power to quicken the pulses of [his]_{667-the young man} heart]_{3716-one woman who out of all the women in the world had power to quicken the pulses of his heart} , wondered why [Robert]_173-robert failed to take the fever from the first breath of contagion that blew toward [him]_173-robert . [He]_{3715-this baronet} forgot that there are men who go [their]_3719-their ways unscathed amidst legions of [lovely and generous women]_{3720-lovely and generous women} , to succumb at last before [some harsh - featured virago , who knows the secret of that only philter which can intoxicate and bewitch [him]_{3715-this baronet}]_{3721-some harsh - featured virago , who knows the secret of that only philter which can intoxicate and bewitch him} . [He]_{3715-this baronet} had forgot that there are [certain Jacks who go through life without meeting the Jill appointed for [them]_{3722-certain jacks who go through life without meeting the jill appointed for them by nemesis , and die old bachelors , perhaps , with poor jill pining an old maid upon the other side of the party - wall} by [Nemesis]_326-nemesis , and die [old bachelors]_{3723-old bachelors} , perhaps , with [poor [Jill]_327-jill pining [an old maid]_{3725-an old maid} upon the other side of the party - wall]_{3724-poor jill pining an old maid upon the other side of the party - wall}]_{3722-certain jacks who go through life without meeting the jill appointed for them by nemesis , and die old bachelors , perhaps , with poor jill pining an old maid upon the other side of the party - wall} . [He]_{3715-this baronet} forgot that love , which is a madness , and a scourge , and a fever , and a delusion , and a snare , is also a mystery , and very imperfectly understood by everyone except [the individual sufferer who writhes under its tortures]_{3726-the individual sufferer who writhes under its tortures} . [Jones]_{269-mrs. jones} , who is wildly enamored of [Miss Brown]_{328-miss brown} , and who lies awake at night until [he]_{3715-this baronet} loathes [his]_{3715-this baronet} comfortable pillow and tumbles [his]_{3715-this baronet} sheets into two twisted rags of linen in [his]_{3715-this baronet} agonies , as if [he]_{3715-this baronet} were [a prisoner and wanted to wind them into impromptu ropes]_{3727-a prisoner and wanted to wind them into impromptu ropes} ; this same Jones who thinks [Russell Square]_{329-russell square} a magic place because [his]_{3715-this baronet} divinity inhabits [it]_{329-russell square} , who thinks the trees in that inclosure and the sky above it greener and bluer than other trees or sky , and who feels a pang , yes , an actual pang , of mingled hope , and joy , and expectation , and terror , when [he]_{3715-this baronet} emerges from [Guilford street]_{115-guilford street} , descending from [the hights of [Islington]_{116-islington}]_{3728-the hights of islington} , into [those sacred precincts]_{3729-those sacred precincts} ; [this very Jones]_{3730-this very jones} is hard and callous toward the torments of [Smith]_330-smith , who adores [Miss Robinson]_{331-miss robinson} , and can not imagine what [the infatuated fellow]_{3731-the infatuated fellow} can see in [the girl]_{753-the girl} . So it was with [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} . [He]_{146-sir michael} looked at [[his]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} as a sample of [a very large class of young men]_{3734-a very large class of young men} , and [[his]_{146-sir michael} daughter]_{556-his daughter} as a sample of [an equally extensive class of feminine goods]_{3736-an equally extensive class of feminine goods} , and could not see why the two samples should not make a very respectable match . [He]_{146-sir michael} ignored all those infinitesimal differences in nature which make the wholesome food of [one man]_{3737-one man} the deadly poison of another . How difficult it is to believe sometimes that [a man]_{445-a man} does n't like such and such a favorite dish . If at a dinner - party , [a meek looking guest]_{3739-a meek looking guest} refuses early salmon and cucumbers , or green peas in February , [we]_3740-we set [him]_{3739-a meek looking guest} down as [a poor relation whose instincts warn [him]_{3739-a meek looking guest} off those expensive plates]_{3741-a poor relation whose instincts warn him off those expensive plates} . If [an alderman]_{3742-an alderman} were to declare that [he]_{3742-an alderman} did n't like green fat , [he]_{3742-an alderman} would be looked upon as [a social martyr]_{3743-a social martyr} , [a Marcus Curtius of the dinner - table]_{3744-a marcus curtius of the dinner - table} , who immolated [himself]_{3742-an alderman} for the benefit of [[his]_{3742-an alderman} kind]_{3745-his kind} . [[His]_{3742-an alderman} fellow - aldermen]_{3746-his fellow - aldermen} would believe in anything rather than an heretical distaste for the city ambrosia of the soup tureen . But there are [people who dislike salmon , and white - bait]_{3747-people who dislike salmon , and white - bait} , and spring ducklings , and all manner of old - established delicacies , and there are [other people who affect eccentric and despicable dishes]_{3748-other people who affect eccentric and despicable dishes} , generally stigmatized as nasty . Alas , [[my]_0-i pretty [Alicia]_149-alicia]_{3749-my pretty alicia} , [[your]_149-alicia cousin]_{5648-your cousin} did not love [you]_149-alicia ! [He]_{5648-your cousin} admired [your]_149-alicia rosy English face , and had a tender affection for [you]_149-alicia which might perhaps have expanded by - and - by into something warm enough for matrimony , that every - day jog - trot species of union which demands no very passionate devotion , but for a sudden check which it had received in [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} . Yes , [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's growing affection for [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} , a plant of very slow growth , [I]_0-i am fain to confess , had been suddenly dwarfed and stunted upon that bitter February day on which [he]_173-robert had stood beneath the pine - trees talking to [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} . Since that day [the young man]_{667-the young man} had experienced an unpleasant sensation in thinking of poor [Alicia]_149-alicia . [He]_{667-the young man} looked at [her]_149-alicia as being in some vague manner an incumbrance upon the freedom of [his]_{667-the young man} thoughts ; [he]_{667-the young man} had a haunting fear that [he]_{667-the young man} was in some tacit way pledged to [her]_149-alicia ; that [she]_149-alicia had a species of claim upon [him]_{667-the young man} , which forbade to [him]_{667-the young man} the right of thinking of [another woman]_{5641-another woman} . [I]_0-i believe it was the image of [Miss Audley]_149-alicia presented to [him]_{667-the young man} in this light that goaded [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} into those outbursts of splenetic rage against the female sex which [he]_{667-the young man} was liable to at certain times . [He]_{667-the young man} was strictly honorable , so honorable that [he]_{667-the young man} would rather have immolated [himself]_{667-the young man} upon the altar of truth and [Alicia]_149-alicia than have done [her]_149-alicia the remotest wrong , though by so doing [he]_{667-the young man} might have secured [his]_{667-the young man} own comfort and happiness . " If [the poor little girl]_{7590-the poor little girl} loves [me]_{667-the young man} , "_{[667-the young man]} [he]_{667-the young man} thought , " and if [she]_{7590-the poor little girl} thinks that [I]_{667-the young man} love [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} , and has been led to think so by any word or act of [mine]_{667-the young man} , [I]_{667-the young man} 'm in duty bound to let [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} think so to the end of time , and to fulfill any tacit promise which [I]_{667-the young man} may have unconsciously made . [I]_{667-the young man} thought once — [I]_{667-the young man} meant once to — to make [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} an offer by - and - by when this horrible mystery about [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} should have been cleared up and everything peacefully settled — but now — "_{[667-the young man]} [His]_{667-the young man} thoughts would ordinarily wander away at this point of [his]_{667-the young man} reflections , carrying [him]_{667-the young man} where [he]_{667-the young man} never had intended to go ; carrying [him]_{667-the young man} back under the pine - trees in [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} , and setting [him]_{667-the young man} once more face to face with [the sister of [[his]_{667-the young man} missing friend]_{1256-his missing friend}]_{3755-the sister of his missing friend} , and it was generally a very laborious journey by which [he]_{667-the young man} traveled back to the point from which [he]_{667-the young man} strayed . It was so difficult for [him]_{667-the young man} to tear [himself]_{667-the young man} away from the stunted turf and [the pine - trees]_{3757-the pine - trees} . " [Poor little girl]_{4653-poor little girl} ! "_{[667-the young man]} [he]_{667-the young man} would think on coming back to [Alicia]_149-alicia . " How good it is of [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} to love [me]_{667-the young man} , and how grateful ought [I]_{667-the young man} to be for [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} tenderness . How many [fellows]_7592-fellows would think such a generous , loving heart the highest boon that earth could give [them]_7592-fellows . There 's [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} stricken with despair at [his]_{214-sir harry towers} rejection . [He]_{214-sir harry towers} would give [me]_{667-the young man} half [his]_{214-sir harry towers} estate , all [his]_{214-sir harry towers} estate , twice [[his]_{214-sir harry towers} estate]_{3231-his estate} , if [he]_{214-sir harry towers} had it , to be in the shoes which [I]_{667-the young man} am anxious to shake off [my]_{667-the young man} ungrateful feet . Why do n't [I]_{667-the young man} love [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} ? Why is it that although [I]_{667-the young man} know [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} to be pretty , and pure , and good , and truthful , [I]_{667-the young man} do n't love [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} ? [Her]_{7590-the poor little girl} image never haunts [me]_{667-the young man} , except reproachfully . [I]_{667-the young man} never see [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} in [my]_{667-the young man} dreams . [I]_{667-the young man} never wake up suddenly in the dead of the night with [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} eyes shining upon [me]_{667-the young man} and [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} warm breath upon [my]_{667-the young man} cheek , or with the fingers of [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} soft hand clinging to [mine]_{667-the young man} . No , [I]_{667-the young man} 'm not in love with [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} , [I]_{667-the young man} ca n't fall in love with [her]_{7590-the poor little girl} . "_{[667-the young man]} [He]_3758-he raged and rebelled against [his]_3758-he ingratitude . [He]_3758-he tried to argue [himself]_3758-he into a passionate attachment for [[his]_3758-he cousin]_{786-his cousin} , but [he]_3758-he failed ignominiously , and the more [he]_3758-he tried to think of [Alicia]_149-alicia the more [he]_3758-he thought of [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} . [I]_0-i am speaking now of [his]_3758-he feelings in the period that elapsed between [his]_3758-he return from [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} and [his]_3758-he visit to [Grange Heath]_{83-grange heath} . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} sat by [the library]_{5301-the library} fire after breakfast upon this wretched rainy morning , writing letters and reading the newspapers . [Alicia]_149-alicia shut [herself]_149-alicia in [[her]_149-alicia own apartment]_{3761-her own apartment} to read the third volume of a novel . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} locked the door of [the octagon ante - chamber]_{6558-the octagon ante - chamber} , and roamed up and down [the suite of rooms]_{3763-the suite of rooms} from [the bedroom]_{3764-the bedroom} to [the boudoir]_{5330-the boudoir} all through that weary morning . [She]_{150-lady audley} had locked the door to guard against the chance of [any one]_{5101-any one} coming in suddenly and observing [her]_{150-lady audley} before [she]_{150-lady audley} was aware — before [she]_{150-lady audley} had had sufficient warning to enable [her]_{150-lady audley} to face [their]_3767-their scrutiny . [Her]_{150-lady audley} pale face seemed to grow paler as the morning advanced . A tiny medicine - chest was open upon the dressing - table , and little stoppered bottles of red lavender , sal - volatile , chloroform , chlorodyne , and ether were scattered about . Once [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} paused before this medicine - chest , and took out the remaining bottles , half - absently , perhaps , until [she]_{468-my lady} came to one which was filled with a thick , dark liquid , and labeled " opium — poison . "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} trifled a long time with this last bottle ; holding it up to the light , and even removing the stopper and smelling the sickly liquid . But [she]_{468-my lady} put it from [her]_{468-my lady} suddenly with a shudder . " If [I]_{468-my lady} could ! "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} muttered , " if [I]_{468-my lady} could only do it ! And yet why should [I]_{468-my lady} now ? "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} clinched [her]_{468-my lady} small hands as [she]_{468-my lady} uttered the last words , and walked to the window of [the dressing - room]_{5226-the dressing - room} , which looked straight toward that ivied archway under which [any one]_{5101-any one} must come who came from [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} to [the Court]_{373-the court} . There were smaller gates in [the gardens]_{414-the gardens} which led into [the meadows behind [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{3773-the meadows behind the court} , but there was no other way of coming from [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} or [Brentwood]_65-brentwood than by the principal entrance . The solitary hand of the clock over the archway was midway between one and two when [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} looked at it . " How slow the time is , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said , wearily ; " how slow , how slow ! Shall [I]_{468-my lady} grow old like this , [I]_{468-my lady} wonder , with every minute of [my]_{468-my lady} life seeming like an hour ? "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} stood for a few minutes watching the archway , but [no one]_{507-no one} passed under [it]_3777-it while [she]_{468-my lady} looked , and [she]_{468-my lady} turned impatiently away from the window to resume [her]_{468-my lady} weary wandering about [the rooms]_{803-the rooms} . Whatever fire that had been which had reflected itself vividly in the black sky , no tidings of it had as yet come to [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} . The day was miserably wet and windy , altogether the very last day upon which even [the most confirmed idler and gossip]_{3779-the most confirmed idler and gossip} would care to venture out . It was not a market - day , and there were therefore [very few passengers upon [the road between [Brentwood]_65-brentwood and [Chelmsford]_{38-chelmsford}]_{3781-the road between brentwood and chelmsford}]_{3780-very few passengers upon the road between brentwood and chelmsford} , so that as yet no news of the fire , which had occurred in the dead of the wintry night , had reached [the village of Audley]_{5372-the village of audley} , or traveled from [the village]_{5107-the village} to [the Court]_{373-the court} . [The girl with the rose - colored ribbons]_{3785-the girl with the rose - colored ribbons} came to the door of [the anteroom]_{1108-the anteroom} to summon [[her]_{3785-the girl with the rose - colored ribbons} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} to luncheon , but [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} only opened the door a little way , and intimated [her]_{150-lady audley} intention of taking no luncheon . " [My]_{150-lady audley} head aches terribly , [Martin]_207-martin , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said ; " [I]_{150-lady audley} shall go and lie down till dinner - time . [You]_207-martin may come at five to dress [me]_{150-lady audley} . "_{[150-lady audley]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} said this with the predetermination of dressing at four , and thus dispensing with the services of [[her]_{150-lady audley} attendant]_{3788-her attendant} . Among [all privileged spies]_{3789-all privileged spies} , [a lady's - maid]_{3790-a lady's - maid} has the highest privileges ; it is [she]_{3790-a lady's - maid} who bathes [Lady Theresa]_{332-lady theresa} 's eyes with eau - de - cologne after [[her]_{332-lady theresa} ladyship]_{3791-her ladyship} 's quarrel with [the colonel]_{3792-the colonel} ; it is [she]_{3790-a lady's - maid} who administers sal - volatile to [Miss Fanny]_294-fanny when [Count Beaudesert]_{333-count beaudesert} , of [the Blues]_{3793-the blues} , has jilted [her]_294-fanny . [She]_{150-lady audley} has a hundred methods for the finding out of [[her]_{150-lady audley} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} ' secrets . [She]_{150-lady audley} knows by the manner in which [[her]_{150-lady audley} victim]_{3795-her victim} jerks [her]_{3795-her victim} head from under the hair - brush , or chafes at the gentlest administration of the comb , what hidden tortures are racking [her]_{3795-her victim} breast — what secret perplexities are bewildering [her]_{3795-her victim} brain . [That well - bred attendant]_{3796-that well - bred attendant} knows how to interpret the most obscure diagnosis of all mental diseases that can afflict [[her]_{3796-that well - bred attendant} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} ; [she]_{3796-that well - bred attendant} knows when the ivory complexion is bought and paid for — when the pearly teeth are foreign substances fashioned by [the dentist]_{3798-the dentist} — when the glossy plaits are the relics of the dead , rather than the property of the living ; and [she]_{3796-that well - bred attendant} knows other and more sacred secrets than these ; [she]_{3796-that well - bred attendant} knows when the sweet smile is more false than [Madame Levison]_{334-madame levison} 's enamel , and far less enduring — when the words that issue from between gates of borrowed pearl are more disguised and painted than the lips which help to shape them — when [the lovely fairy of [the ball - room]_{3800-the ball - room}]_{3799-the lovely fairy of the ball - room} re - enters [the dressing - room]_{5226-the dressing - room} after the night 's long revelry , and throws aside [her]_{3799-the lovely fairy of the ball - room} voluminous burnous and [her]_{3799-the lovely fairy of the ball - room} faded bouquet , and drops [her]_{3799-the lovely fairy of the ball - room} mask , and like [another Cinderella]_{3802-another cinderella} loses the glass - slipper , by whose glitter [she]_{3799-the lovely fairy of the ball - room} has been distinguished , and falls back into [her]_{3799-the lovely fairy of the ball - room} rags and dirt , [[the lady]_{673-the lady} 's maid]_{1504-the lady 's maid} is by to see the transformation . [The valet who took wages from [the prophet of [Korazin]_118-korazin]_{3806-the prophet of korazin}]_{3805-the valet who took wages from the prophet of korazin} must have seen [[his]_{3805-the valet who took wages from the prophet of korazin} master]_{2445-his master} sometimes unveiled , and must have laughed in [his]_{3805-the valet who took wages from the prophet of korazin} sleeve at the folly of [the monster 's worshipers]_{3808-the monster 's worshipers} . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} had made [no confidante of [[her]_{150-lady audley} new maid]_{3810-her new maid}]_{3809-no confidante of her new maid} , and on this day of all others [she]_{150-lady audley} wished to be alone . [She]_{150-lady audley} did lie down ; [she]_{150-lady audley} cast [herself]_{150-lady audley} wearily upon the luxurious sofa in [the dressing - room]_{5226-the dressing - room} , and buried [her]_{150-lady audley} face in the down pillows and tried to sleep . [Sleep!—she]_{335-sleep!—she} had almost forgotten what it was , [that tender restorer of tired nature]_{3812-that tender restorer of tired nature} , it seemed so long now since [she]_{150-lady audley} had slept . It was only about eight - and - forty hours perhaps , but it appeared an intolerable time . [Her]_{150-lady audley} fatigue of the night before , and [her]_{150-lady audley} unnatural excitement , had worn [her]_{150-lady audley} out at last . [She]_{150-lady audley} did fall asleep ; [she]_{150-lady audley} fell into a heavy slumber that was almost like stupor . [She]_{150-lady audley} had taken a few drops out of the opium bottle in a glass of water before lying down . The clock over the mantelpiece chimed the quarter before four as [she]_{150-lady audley} woke suddenly and started up , with the cold perspiration breaking out in icy drops upon [her]_{150-lady audley} forehead . [She]_{150-lady audley} had dreamt that [every member of [the household]_{3814-the household}]_{3813-every member of the household} was clamoring at the door , eager to tell [her]_{150-lady audley} of a dreadful fire that had happened in the night . There was no sound but the flapping of the ivy - leaves against the glass , the occasional falling of a cinder , and the steady ticking of the clock . " Perhaps [I]_{468-my lady} shall be always dreaming these sort of dreams , "_{[468-my lady]} [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} thought , " until the terror of them kills [me]_{468-my lady} ! "_{[468-my lady]} The rain had ceased , and the cold spring sunshine was glittering upon the windows . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} dressed [herself]_{150-lady audley} rapidly but carefully . [I]_0-i do not say that even in [her]_{150-lady audley} supremest hour of misery [she]_{150-lady audley} still retained [her]_{150-lady audley} pride in [her]_{150-lady audley} beauty . It was not so ; [she]_{150-lady audley} looked upon that beauty as a weapon , and [she]_{150-lady audley} felt that [she]_{150-lady audley} had now double need to be well armed . [She]_{150-lady audley} dressed [herself]_{150-lady audley} in [her]_{150-lady audley} most gorgeous silk , a voluminous robe of silvery , shimmering blue , that made [her]_{150-lady audley} look as if [she]_{150-lady audley} had been arrayed in moonbeams . [She]_{150-lady audley} shook out [her]_{150-lady audley} hair into feathery showers of glittering gold , and , with a cloak of white cashmere about [her]_{150-lady audley} shoulders , went down - stairs into [the vestibule]_{3508-the vestibule} . [She]_{150-lady audley} opened the door of [the library]_{5301-the library} and looked in . [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} was asleep in [his]_{146-sir michael} easy - chair . As [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} softly closed this door [Alicia]_149-alicia descended the stairs from [[her]_149-alicia own room]_{3819-her own room} . The turret door was open , and the sun was shining upon the wet grass - plat in [the quadrangle]_{7021-the quadrangle} . The firm gravel - walks were already very nearly dry , for the rain had ceased for upward of two hours . " Will [you]_{5225-her step - daughter} take a walk with [me]_{150-lady audley} in [the quadrangle]_{7021-the quadrangle} ? "_{[150-lady audley]} [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} asked as [[her]_{150-lady audley} step - daughter]_{5225-her step - daughter} approached . The armed neutrality between [the two women]_{1218-the two women} admitted of any chance civility such as this . " Yes , if [you]_{5225-her step - daughter} please , [[my]_149-alicia lady]_{468-my lady} , "_[149-alicia] [Alicia]_149-alicia answered , rather listlessly . " [I]_149-alicia have been yawning over a stupid novel all the morning , and shall be very glad of a little fresh air . "_[149-alicia] Heaven help [the novelist whose fiction [Miss Audley]_149-alicia had been perusing , if [he]_{3823-the novelist whose fiction miss audley had been perusing , if he had no better critics than that young lady} had no better critics than [that young lady]_{3530-that young lady}]_{3823-the novelist whose fiction miss audley had been perusing , if he had no better critics than that young lady} . [She]_{150-lady audley} had read page after page without knowing what [she]_{150-lady audley} had been reading , and had flung aside the volume half a dozen times to go to the window and watch for [that visitor whom [she]_{150-lady audley} had so confidently expected]_{3825-that visitor whom she had so confidently expected} . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} led the way through the low doorway and on to [the smooth gravel drive]_{3826-the smooth gravel drive} , by which [carriages]_{3827-carriages} approached [the house]_{388-the house} . [She]_{150-lady audley} was still very pale , but the brightness of [her]_{150-lady audley} dress and of [her]_{150-lady audley} feathery golden ringlets , distracted [an observer]_{3829-an observer} 's eyes from [her]_{150-lady audley} pallid face . All mental distress is , with some show of reason , associated in [our]_3830-our minds with loose , disordered garments and dishabilled hair , and an appearance in every way the reverse of [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's . Why had [she]_{150-lady audley} come out into the chill sunshine of that March afternoon to wander up and down [that monotonous pathway]_{3832-that monotonous pathway} with [the step - daughter [she]_{150-lady audley} hated]_{3833-the step - daughter she hated} ? [She]_{150-lady audley} came because [she]_{150-lady audley} was under the dominion of a horrible restlessness , which , would not suffer [her]_{150-lady audley} to remain within [the house]_{388-the house} waiting for certain tidings which [she]_{150-lady audley} knew must too surely come . At first [she]_{150-lady audley} had wished to ward them off — at first [she]_{150-lady audley} had wished that strange convulsions of nature might arise to hinder [their]_3835-their coming — that abnormal winter lightnings might wither and destroy the messenger who carried [them]_3835-their — that the ground might tremble and yawn beneath [his]_3836-his hastening feet , and that impassable gulfs might separate the spot from which the tidings were to come and the place to which [they]_3835-their were to be carried . [She]_{150-lady audley} wished that [the earth]_{5601-the earth} might stand still , and the paralyzed elements cease from their natural functions , that the progress of time might stop , that the Day of Judgment might come , and that [she]_{150-lady audley} might thus be brought before [an unearthly tribunal]_{3838-an unearthly tribunal} , and so escape the intervening shame and misery of any earthly judgment . In the wild chaos of [her]_{150-lady audley} brain , every one of these thoughts had held its place , and in [her]_{150-lady audley} short slumber on the sofa in [[her]_{150-lady audley} dressing - room]_{5211-her dressing - room} [she]_{150-lady audley} had dreamed all these things and a hundred other things , all bearing upon the same subject . [She]_{150-lady audley} had dreamed that [a brook]_{3840-a brook} , [a tiny streamlet]_{3841-a tiny streamlet} when [she]_{150-lady audley} first saw it , flowed across [the road between [Mount Stanning]_{222-mount stanning} and [Audley]_{150-lady audley}]_{3842-the road between mount stanning and audley} , and gradually swelled into [a river]_{3843-a river} , and from [a river]_{3843-a river} became [an ocean]_{3845-an ocean} , till [the village]_{5107-the village} on [the hill]_{1906-the hill} receded far away out of sight and only [a great waste of waters]_{3848-a great waste of waters} rolled where it once had been . [She]_{150-lady audley} dreamt that [she]_{150-lady audley} saw [the messenger]_{3849-the messenger} , now [one person]_{3850-one person} , now another , but never [any probable person , hindered by a hundred hinderances , now startling and terrible , now ridiculous and trivial]_{3851-any probable person , hindered by a hundred hinderances , now startling and terrible , now ridiculous and trivial} , but never either natural or probable ; and going down into [the quiet house]_{3852-the quiet house} with the memory of these dreams strong upon [her]_{150-lady audley} , [she]_{150-lady audley} had been bewildered by the stillness which had betokened that the tidings had not yet come . And now [her]_{150-lady audley} mind underwent a complete change . [She]_{150-lady audley} no longer wished to delay the dreaded intelligence . [She]_{150-lady audley} wished the agony , whatever it was to be , over and done with , the pain suffered , and the release attained . It seemed to [her]_{150-lady audley} as if the intolerable day would never come to an end , as if [her]_{150-lady audley} mad wishes had been granted , and the progress of time had actually stopped . " What a long day it has been ! "_[149-alicia] exclaimed [Alicia]_149-alicia , as if taking up the burden of [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's thoughts ; " nothing but drizzle and mist and wind ! And now that it 's too late for [anybody]_706-anybody to go out , it must needs be fine , "_{[5100-the young lady]} [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} added , with an evident sense of injury . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} did not answer . [She]_{150-lady audley} was looking at the stupid one - handed clock , and waiting for the news which must come sooner or later , which could not surely fail to come very speedily . " [They]_7597-they have been afraid to come and tell [him]_7598-him , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} thought ; " [they]_7597-they have been afraid to break the news to [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} . Who will come to tell it , at last , [I]_{150-lady audley} wonder ? [The rector of [Mount Stanning]_{222-mount stanning}]_{7599-the rector of mount stanning} , perhaps , or [the doctor]_{7600-the doctor} ; [some important person]_{7601-some important person} at least . "_{[150-lady audley]} If [she]_{150-lady audley} could have gone out into [the leafless avenues]_{3855-the leafless avenues} , or onto [the high road beyond [them]_{3855-the leafless avenues}]_{3856-the high road beyond them} ; if [she]_{150-lady audley} could have gone so far as [that hill upon which [she]_{150-lady audley} had so lately parted with [Phoebe]_166-phoebe]_{3857-that hill upon which she had so lately parted with phoebe} , [she]_{150-lady audley} would have gladly done so . [She]_{150-lady audley} would rather have suffered anything than that slow suspense , that corroding anxiety , that metaphysical dryrot in which heart and mind seemed to decay under an insufferable torture . [She]_{150-lady audley} tried to talk , and by a painful effort contrived now and then to utter some commonplace remark . Under any ordinary circumstances [[her]_{150-lady audley} companion]_{788-her companion} would have noticed [her]_{150-lady audley} embarrassment , but [Miss Audley]_149-alicia , happening to be very much absorbed by [her]_149-alicia own vexations , was quite as well inclined to be silent as [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} [herself]_149-alicia . The monotonous walk up and down [the graveled pathway]_{3860-the graveled pathway} suited [Alicia]_149-alicia 's humor . [I]_0-i think that [she]_{150-lady audley} even took a malicious pleasure in the idea that [she]_{150-lady audley} was very likely catching cold , and that [[her]_{150-lady audley} Cousin]_{790-her cousin} [Robert]_173-robert was answerable for [her]_{150-lady audley} danger . If [she]_{150-lady audley} could have brought upon [herself]_{150-lady audley} inflammation of the lungs , or ruptured blood - vessels , by that exposure to the chill March atmosphere , [I]_0-i think [she]_{150-lady audley} would have felt a gloomy satisfaction in [her]_{150-lady audley} sufferings . " Perhaps [Robert]_173-robert might care for [me]_{150-lady audley} , if [I]_{150-lady audley} had inflammation of the lungs , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} thought . " [He]_173-robert could n't insult [me]_{150-lady audley} by calling [me]_{150-lady audley} [a bouncer]_{7602-a bouncer} then . [Bouncers]_{7603-bouncers} do n't have inflammation of the lungs . "_{[150-lady audley]} [I]_0-i believe [she]_{150-lady audley} drew a picture of [herself]_{150-lady audley} in the last stage of consumption , propped up by pillows in a great easy - chair , looking out of a window in the afternoon sunshine , with medicine bottles , a bunch of grapes and a Bible upon a table by [her]_{150-lady audley} side , and with [Robert]_173-robert , all contrition and tenderness , summoned to receive [her]_{150-lady audley} farewell blessing . [She]_{150-lady audley} preached a whole chapter to [him]_173-robert in that parting benediction , talking a great deal longer than was in keeping with [her]_{150-lady audley} prostrate state , and very much enjoying [her]_{150-lady audley} dismal castle in the air . Employed in this sentimental manner , [Miss Audley]_149-alicia took very little notice of [[her]_149-alicia step - mother]_{5119-her step - mother} , and the one hand of the blundering clock had slipped to six by the time [Robert]_173-robert had been blessed and dismissed . " Good gracious [me]_{150-lady audley} ! "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} cried , suddenly—"six o'clock , and [I]_{150-lady audley} 'm not dressed . "_{[150-lady audley]} The half - hour bell rung in a cupola upon the roof while [Alicia]_149-alicia was speaking . " [I]_{150-lady audley} must go in , [[my]_{150-lady audley} lady]_{468-my lady} , "_{[150-lady audley]} [she]_{150-lady audley} said . " Wo n't [you]_{150-lady audley} come ? "_{[150-lady audley]} " Presently , "_{[150-lady audley]} answered [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . " [I]_149-alicia 'm dressed , [you]_{150-lady audley} see . "_[149-alicia] [Alicia]_149-alicia ran off , but [[Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's wife]_{6544-sir michael 's wife} still lingered in [the quadrangle]_{7021-the quadrangle} , still waited for those tidings which were so long coming . It was nearly dark . The blue mists of evening had slowly risen from the ground . [The flat meadows]_{1558-the flat meadows} were filled with a gray vapor , and [a stranger]_{1506-a stranger} might have fancied [Audley]_{150-lady audley} Court [a castle on [the margin of a sea]_{3868-the margin of a sea}]_{3867-a castle on the margin of a sea} . Under the archway the shadows of fastcoming night lurked darkly , like traitors waiting for an opportunity to glide stealthily into [the quadrangle]_{7021-the quadrangle} . Through the archway a patch of cold blue sky glimmered faintly , streaked by one line of lurid crimson , and lighted by the dim glitter of one wintry - looking star . Not a creature was stirring in [the quadrangle]_{7021-the quadrangle} but [the restless woman who paced up and down [the straight pathways]_{3872-the straight pathways} , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to [her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} soul]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} . [She]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} heard it at last!—a footstep in [the avenue]_{754-the avenue} upon the other side of [the archway]_{6494-the archway} . But was it the footstep ? [Her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} sense of hearing , made unnaturally acute by excitement , told [her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} that it was [a man]_{445-a man} 's footstep — told even more , that it was the tread of [a gentleman]_{4644-a gentleman} , [no slouching , lumbering pedestrian in hobnailed boots]_{3877-no slouching , lumbering pedestrian in hobnailed boots} , but [a gentleman who walked firmly and well . Every sound fell like a lump of ice]_{3878-a gentleman who walked firmly and well . every sound fell like a lump of ice} upon [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's heart . [She]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} could not wait , [she]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} could not contain [herself]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} , [she]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} lost all self - control , all power of endurance , all capability of self - restraint , and [she]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} rushed toward the archway . [She]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} paused beneath its shadow , for [the stranger]_{4905-the stranger} was close upon [her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} . [She]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} saw [him]_{4905-the stranger} , oh , God ! [she]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} saw [him]_{4905-the stranger} in that dim evening light . [Her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} brain reeled , [her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} heart stopped beating . [She]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} uttered no cry of surprise , no exclamation of terror , but staggered backward and clung for support to the ivied buttress of the archway . With [her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} slender figure crouched into the angle formed by the buttress and the wall which it supported , [she]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} stood staring at [the new - comer]_{3881-the new - comer} . As [he]_{4905-the stranger} approached [her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} more closely [her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} knees sunk under [her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} , and [she]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} dropped to the ground , not fainting , or in any manner unconscious , but sinking into a crouching attitude , and still crushed into the angle of the wall , as if [she]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} would have made a tomb for [herself]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} in the shadow of that sheltering brickwork . " [[My]_{4906-the speaker} lady]_{468-my lady} ! "_{[4906-the speaker]} [The speaker]_{4906-the speaker} was [Robert Audley]_173-robert . [He]_173-robert whose bedroom door [she]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} had double - locked seventeen hours before at [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn} . " What is the matter with [you]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , in a strange , constrained manner . " Get up , and let [me]_173-robert take [you]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} [indoors]_7606-indoors . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert assisted [her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} to rise , and [she]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} obeyed [him]_173-robert very submissively . [He]_173-robert took [her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} arm in [his]_173-robert strong hand and led [her]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} across [the quadrangle]_{7021-the quadrangle} and into [the lamp - lit hall]_{3884-the lamp - lit hall} . [She]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} shivered more violently than [he]_173-robert had ever seen [any woman]_{3885-any woman} shiver before , but [she]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} made no attempt at resistance to [his]_173-robert will . " Is there [any room in which [I]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} can talk to [you]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} alone]_{7607-any room in which i can talk to you alone} ? "_{[3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul]} [Robert Audley]_173-robert asked , as [he]_173-robert looked dubiously round [the hall]_{804-the hall} . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} only bowed [her]_{468-my lady} head in answer . [She]_{3871-the restless woman who paced up and down the straight pathways , listening for a footstep whose coming was to strike terror to her soul} pushed open the door of [the library]_{5301-the library} , which had been left ajar . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} had gone to [[his]_{146-sir michael} dressing - room]_{957-his dressing - room} to prepare for dinner after a day of lazy enjoyment , perfectly legitimate for [an invalid]_{7309-an invalid} . [The apartment]_{5327-the apartment} was quite empty , only lighted by the blaze of the fire , as [it]_{5327-the apartment} had been upon the previous evening . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} entered [the room]_{595-the room} , followed by [Robert]_173-robert , who closed the door behind [him]_173-robert . [The wretched , shivering woman]_{3893-the wretched , shivering woman} went to the fireplace and knelt down before the blaze , as if any natural warmth , could have power to check that unnatural chill . [The young man]_{667-the young man} followed [her]_{3893-the wretched , shivering woman} , and stood beside [her]_{3893-the wretched , shivering woman} upon the hearth , with [his]_{667-the young man} arm resting upon the chimney - piece . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , "_{[667-the young man]} [he]_{667-the young man} said , in a voice whose icy sternness held out no hope of any tenderness or compassion , " [I]_{667-the young man} spoke to [you]_{150-lady audley} last - night very plainly , but [you]_{150-lady audley} refused to listen to [me]_{667-the young man} . To - night [I]_{667-the young man} must speak to [you]_{150-lady audley} still more plainly , and [you]_{150-lady audley} must no longer refuse to listen to [me]_{667-the young man} . "_{[667-the young man]} [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , crouching before the fire with [her]_{468-my lady} face hidden in [her]_{468-my lady} hands , uttered a low , sobbing sound which was almost a moan , but made no other answer . " There was a fire last night at [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} , [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , "_[3896-i] the pitiless voice proceeded ; " [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn} , [the house in which [I]_3896-i slept]_{7608-the house in which i slept} , was burned to the ground . Do [you]_{667-the young man} know how [I]_3896-i escaped perishing in that destruction ? "_[3896-i] " No . "_[3896-i] " [I]_3896-i escaped by a most providential circumstance which seems a very simple one . [I]_3896-i did not sleep in [the room which had been prepared for [me]_3896-i]_{7609-the room which had been prepared for me} . [The place]_{385-the place} seemed wretchedly damp and chilly , the chimney smoked abominably when an attempt was made at lighting a fire , and [I]_3896-i persuaded [the servant]_{1203-the servant} to make [me]_3896-i up a bed on the sofa in [the small ground - floor sitting - room]_{7612-the small ground - floor sitting - room} which [I]_3896-i had occupied during the evening . "_[3896-i] [He]_3896-i paused for a moment , watching [the crouching figure]_{3897-the crouching figure} . The only change in [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's attitude was that [her]_{468-my lady} head had fallen a little lower . " Shall [I]_{468-my lady} tell [you]_{468-my lady} by whose agency the destruction of [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn} was brought about , [[my]_{468-my lady} lady]_{468-my lady} ? "_{[468-my lady]} There was no answer . " Shall [I]_{468-my lady} tell [you]_{468-my lady} ? "_{[468-my lady]} Still the same obstinate silence . " [[My]_173-robert Lady]_{468-my lady} [Audley]_{150-lady audley} , "_[173-robert] cried [Robert]_173-robert , suddenly , " [you]_{150-lady audley} are [the incendiary]_{7616-the incendiary} . It was [you]_{150-lady audley} whose murderous hand kindled those flames . It was [you]_{150-lady audley} who thought by that thrice - horrible deed to rid [yourself]_{150-lady audley} of [me]_173-robert , [[your]_{150-lady audley} enemy]_{7617-your enemy} and denouncer . What was it to [you]_{150-lady audley} that other lives might be sacrificed ? If by a second massacre of [Saint Bartholomew]_{336-saint bartholomew} [you]_{150-lady audley} could have ridded [yourself]_{150-lady audley} of [me]_173-robert [you]_{150-lady audley} would have sacrificed an army of [victims]_7618-victims . The day is past for tenderness and mercy . For [you]_{150-lady audley} [I]_173-robert can no longer know pity or compunction . So far as by sparing [your]_{150-lady audley} shame [I]_173-robert can spare others who must suffer by [your]_{150-lady audley} shame , [I]_173-robert will be merciful , but no further . If there were any secret tribunal before which [you]_{150-lady audley} might be made to answer for [your]_{150-lady audley} crimes , [I]_173-robert would have little scruple in being [[your]_{150-lady audley} accuser]_{7619-your accuser} , but [I]_173-robert would spare [that generous and high - born gentleman upon whose noble name [your]_{150-lady audley} infamy]_{7620-that generous and high - born gentleman upon whose noble name your infamy} would be reflected . "_[173-robert] [His]_3899-i voice softened as [he]_3899-i made this allusion , and for a moment [he]_3899-i broke down , but [he]_3899-i recovered [himself]_3899-i by an effort and continued : " No life was lost in the fire of last night . [I]_3899-i slept lightly , [[my]_3899-i lady]_{468-my lady} , for [my]_3899-i mind was troubled , as it has been for a long time , by the misery which [I]_3899-i knew was lowering upon [this house]_{6101-this house} . It was [I]_3899-i who discovered the breaking out of the fire in time to give the alarm and to save [the servant girl]_{2177-the servant girl} and the poor drunken wretch , who was very much burnt in spite of efforts , and who now lies in a precarious state at [[[his]_3899-i mother]_{533-his mother} 's cottage]_{7625-his mother 's cottage} . It was from [him]_3899-i and from [[his]_3899-i wife]_{554-his wife} that [I]_3899-i learned who had visited [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn} in the dead of the night . [The woman]_{5008-the woman} was almost distracted when [she]_{5008-the woman} saw [me]_3899-i , and from [her]_{5008-the woman} [I]_3899-i discovered the particulars of last night . Heaven knows what other secrets of [yours]_{468-my lady} [she]_{5008-the woman} may hold , [[my]_3899-i lady]_{468-my lady} , or how easily they might be extorted from [her]_{5008-the woman} if [I]_3899-i wanted [her]_{5008-the woman} aid , which [I]_3899-i do not . [My]_3899-i path lies very straight before [me]_3899-i . [I]_3899-i have sworn to bring [the murderer of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys}]_{7630-the murderer of george talboys} to justice , and [I]_3899-i will keep [my]_3899-i oath . [I]_3899-i say that it was by [your]_{468-my lady} agency [[my]_3899-i friend]_{836-my friend} met with [his]_{836-my friend} death . If [I]_3899-i have wondered sometimes , as it was only natural [I]_3899-i should , whether [I]_3899-i was not [the victim of some horrible hallucination]_{7632-the victim of some horrible hallucination} , whether such an alternative was not more probable than that [a young and lovely woman]_{7633-a young and lovely woman} should be capable of so foul and treacherous a murder , all wonder is past . After last night 's deed of horror , there is no crime [you]_{468-my lady} could commit , however vast and unnatural , which could make [me]_3899-i wonder . Henceforth [you]_{468-my lady} must seem to [me]_3899-i no longer [a woman]_{503-a woman} , [a guilty woman with a heart which in its worst wickedness has yet some latent power to suffer and feel]_{7635-a guilty woman with a heart which in its worst wickedness has yet some latent power to suffer and feel} ; [I]_3899-i look upon [you]_{468-my lady} henceforth as [the demoniac incarnation of some evil principle]_{7636-the demoniac incarnation of some evil principle} . But [you]_{468-my lady} shall no longer pollute [this place]_{5298-this place} by [your]_{468-my lady} presence . Unless [you]_{468-my lady} will confess what [you]_{468-my lady} are and who [you]_{468-my lady} are in the presence of [the man [you]_{468-my lady} have deceived so long]_{7638-the man you have deceived so long} , and accept from [him]_{7638-the man you have deceived so long} and from [me]_3899-i such mercy as [we]_7639-we may be inclined to extend to [you]_{468-my lady} , [I]_3899-i will gather together [the witnesses]_{7640-the witnesses} who shall swear to [your]_{468-my lady} identity , and at peril of any shame to [myself]_3899-i and those [I]_3899-i love , [I]_3899-i will bring upon [you]_{468-my lady} the just and awful punishment of [your]_{468-my lady} crime . "_[3899-i] [The woman]_{5008-the woman} rose suddenly and stood before [him]_3901-you erect and resolute , with [her]_{5008-the woman} hair dashed away from [her]_{5008-the woman} face and [her]_{5008-the woman} eyes glittering . " Bring [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} ! "_{[5008-the woman]} [she]_{5008-the woman} cried ; " bring [him]_{146-sir michael} here , and [I]_{5008-the woman} will confess anything — everything . What do [I]_{5008-the woman} care ? [God]_164-god knows [I]_{5008-the woman} have struggled hard enough against [you]_3901-you , and fought the battle patiently enough ; but [you]_3901-you have conquered , [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert . It is a great triumph , is it not — a wonderful victory ? [You]_3901-you have used [your]_3901-you cool , calculating , frigid , luminous intellect to a noble purpose . [You]_3901-you have conquered — [a MAD WOMAN]_{7541-a mad woman} ! "_{[5008-the woman]} " [A mad woman]_{7541-a mad woman} ! "_[173-robert] cried [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . " Yes , [a mad woman]_{7541-a mad woman} . When [you]_3901-you say that [I]_173-robert killed [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , [you]_3901-you say the truth . When [you]_3901-you say that [I]_173-robert murdered [him]_7644-him treacherously and foully , [you]_3901-you lie . [I]_173-robert killed [him]_7644-him because [I]_173-robert AM MAD ! because [my]_173-robert intellect is a little way upon the wrong side of that narrow boundary - line between sanity and insanity ; because , when [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} goaded [me]_173-robert , as [you]_3901-you have goaded [me]_173-robert , and reproached [me]_173-robert , and threatened [me]_173-robert , [my]_173-robert mind , never properly balanced , utterly lost its balance , and [I]_173-robert was mad ! Bring [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} ; and bring [him]_{146-sir michael} quickly . If [he]_{146-sir michael} is to be told one thing let [him]_{146-sir michael} be told everything ; let [him]_{146-sir michael} hear the secret of [my]_173-robert life ! "_[173-robert] [Robert Audley]_173-robert left [the room]_{595-the room} to look for [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} . [He]_173-robert went in search of [that honored kinsman]_{3904-that honored kinsman} with [God]_164-god knows how heavy a weight of anguish at [his]_173-robert heart , for [he]_173-robert knew [he]_173-robert was about to shatter the day - dream of [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's life ; and [he]_173-robert knew that [our]_3906-our dreams are none the less terrible to lose , because they have never been the realities for which [we]_3906-our have mistaken them . But even in the midst of [his]_173-robert sorrow for [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , [he]_173-robert could not help wondering at [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's last words—"the secret of [my]_173-robert life . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert remembered those lines in the letter written by [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} upon the eve of [her]_{179-helen talboys} flight from [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} , which had so puzzled [him]_173-robert . [He]_173-robert remembered those appealing sentences—"You should forgive [me]_173-robert , for [you]_{465-the baronet} know why [I]_173-robert have been so . [You]_{465-the baronet} know the secret of [my]_173-robert life . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert met [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} in [the hall]_{804-the hall} . [He]_173-robert made no attempt to prepare the way for the terrible revelation which [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} was to hear . [He]_173-robert only drew [him]_{146-sir michael} into [the fire - lit library]_{3910-the fire - lit library} , and there for the first time addressed [him]_{146-sir michael} quietly thus : " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} has a confession to make to [you]_{146-sir michael} , [sir]_900-sir — a confession which [I]_{667-the young man} know will be a most cruel surprise , a most bitter grief . But it is necessary for [your]_{146-sir michael} present honor , and for [your]_{146-sir michael} future peace , that [you]_{146-sir michael} should hear it . [She]_{150-lady audley} has deceived [you]_{146-sir michael} , [I]_{667-the young man} regret to say , most basely ; but it is only right that [you]_{146-sir michael} should hear from [her]_{150-lady audley} own lips any excuses which [she]_{150-lady audley} may have to offer for [her]_{150-lady audley} wickedness . May [God]_164-god soften this blow for [you]_{146-sir michael} ! "_{[667-the young man]} sobbed [the young man]_{667-the young man} , suddenly breaking down ; " [I]_{667-the young man} can not ! "_{[667-the young man]} [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} lifted [his]_{146-sir michael} hand as if [he]_{146-sir michael} would command [[his]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} to be silent , but that imperious hand dropped feeble and impotent at [his]_{146-sir michael} side . [He]_{146-sir michael} stood in the center of [the fire - lit room]_{3913-the fire - lit room} rigid and immovable . " [Lucy]_197-lucy ! "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} cried , in a voice whose anguish struck like a blow upon the jarred nerves of [those who heard it , as the cry of a wounded animal]_{3914-those who heard it , as the cry of a wounded animal} pains [the listener—"Lucy]_{7646-the listener—"lucy} , tell [me]_{146-sir michael} that [this man]_{4719-this man} is [a madman]_{3356-a madman} ! tell [me]_{146-sir michael} so , [[my]_{146-sir michael} love]_{3254-my love} , or [I]_{146-sir michael} shall kill [him]_{4719-this man} ! "_{[146-sir michael]} There was a sudden fury in [his]_{146-sir michael} voice as [he]_{146-sir michael} turned upon [Robert]_173-robert , as if [he]_{146-sir michael} could indeed have felled [[[his]_{146-sir michael} wife]_{554-his wife} 's accuser]_{3916-his wife 's accuser} to the earth with the strength of [his]_{146-sir michael} uplifted arm . But [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} fell upon [her]_{468-my lady} knees at [his]_{146-sir michael} feet , interposing [herself]_{468-my lady} between [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} and [[his]_{465-the baronet} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} , who stood leaning on the back of an easy - chair , with [his]_{5177-his nephew} face hidden by [his]_{5177-his nephew} hand . " [He]_{146-sir michael} has told [you]_{146-sir michael} the truth , "_{[468-my lady]} said [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " and [he]_{146-sir michael} is not mad ! [I]_{468-my lady} have sent [him]_{146-sir michael} for [you]_{146-sir michael} that [I]_{468-my lady} may confess everything to [you]_{146-sir michael} . [I]_{468-my lady} should be sorry for [you]_{146-sir michael} if [I]_{468-my lady} could , for [you]_{146-sir michael} have been very , very good to [me]_{468-my lady} , much better to [me]_{468-my lady} than [I]_{468-my lady} ever deserved ; but [I]_{468-my lady} ca n't , [I]_{468-my lady} can't — [I]_{468-my lady} can feel nothing but [my]_{468-my lady} own misery . [I]_{468-my lady} told [you]_{146-sir michael} long ago that [I]_{468-my lady} was selfish ; [I]_{468-my lady} am selfish still — more selfish than ever in [my]_{468-my lady} misery . Happy , [prosperous people]_{7650-prosperous people} may feel for [others]_5097-others . [I]_{468-my lady} laugh at [other people]_{1822-other people} 's sufferings ; [they]_{1822-other people} seem so small compared to [my]_{468-my lady} own . "_{[468-my lady]} When first [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} had fallen on [her]_{468-my lady} knees , [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} had attempted to raise [her]_{468-my lady} , and had remonstrated with [her]_{468-my lady} ; but as [she]_{468-my lady} spoke [he]_{146-sir michael} dropped into a chair close to the spot upon which [she]_{468-my lady} knelt , and with [his]_{146-sir michael} hands clasped together , and with [his]_{146-sir michael} head bent to catch every syllable of those horrible words , [he]_{146-sir michael} listened as if [his]_{146-sir michael} whole being had been resolved into that one sense of hearing . " [I]_{468-my lady} must tell [you]_{146-sir michael} the story of [my]_{468-my lady} life , in order to tell [you]_{146-sir michael} why [I]_{468-my lady} have become [the miserable wretch who has no better hope than to be allowed to run away and hide in [some desolate corner of [the earth]_{5601-the earth}]_{7654-some desolate corner of the earth}]_{7653-the miserable wretch who has no better hope than to be allowed to run away and hide in some desolate corner of the earth} . [I]_{468-my lady} must tell [you]_{146-sir michael} the story of [my]_{468-my lady} life , "_{[468-my lady]} repeated [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " but [you]_{146-sir michael} need not fear that [I]_{468-my lady} shall dwell long upon it . It has not been so pleasant to [me]_{468-my lady} that [I]_{468-my lady} should wish to remember it . When [I]_{468-my lady} was [a very little child]_{7656-a very little child} [I]_{468-my lady} remember asking a question which it was natural enough that [I]_{468-my lady} should ask , God help [me]_{468-my lady} ! [I]_{468-my lady} asked where [[my]_{468-my lady} mother]_{4646-my mother} was . [I]_{468-my lady} had a faint remembrance of a face , like what [my]_{468-my lady} own is now , looking at [me]_{468-my lady} when [I]_{468-my lady} was very little better than [a baby]_{4838-a baby} ; but [I]_{468-my lady} had missed the face suddenly , and had never seen it since . [They]_7659-they told [me]_{468-my lady} that [mother]_7130-mother was away . [I]_{468-my lady} was not happy , for [the woman who had charge of [me]_{468-my lady}]_{7661-the woman who had charge of me} was [a disagreeable woman]_{7662-a disagreeable woman} and the place in which [we]_7663-we lived was [a lonely place , [a village upon [the Hampshire coast]_{7666-the hampshire coast} , about seven miles from [Portsmouth]_{30-portsmouth}]_{7665-a village upon the hampshire coast , about seven miles from portsmouth}]_{7664-a lonely place , a village upon the hampshire coast , about seven miles from portsmouth} . [[My]_{468-my lady} father , who was in [the navy]_{7668-the navy}]_{7667-my father , who was in the navy} , only came now and then to see [me]_{468-my lady} ; and [I]_{468-my lady} was left almost entirely to the charge of [this woman]_{557-this woman} , who was irregularly paid , and who vented [her]_{557-this woman} rage upon [me]_{468-my lady} when [[my]_{468-my lady} father]_{4643-my father} was behindhand in remitting [her]_{557-this woman} money . So [you]_7671-you see that at a very early age [I]_{468-my lady} found out what it was to be poor . "_{[468-my lady]} Perhaps it was more from being discontented with [my]_0-i dreary life than from any wonderful impulse of affection , that [I]_0-i asked very often the same question about [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} . [I]_0-i always received the same answer — [she]_{4646-my mother} was away . When [I]_0-i asked where , [I]_0-i was told that that was a secret . When [I]_0-i grew old enough to understand the meaning of the word death , [I]_0-i asked if [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} was dead , and [I]_0-i was told—'No , [she]_{4646-my mother} was not dead ; [she]_{4646-my mother} was ill , and [she]_{4646-my mother} was away . ' [I]_0-i asked how long [she]_{4646-my mother} had been ill , and [I]_0-i was told that [she]_{4646-my mother} had been so some years , ever since [I]_0-i was [a baby]_{4838-a baby} . " At last the secret came out . [I]_0-i worried [[my]_0-i foster - mother]_{7672-my foster - mother} with the old question one day when the remittances had fallen very much in arrear , and [her]_{4646-my mother} temper had been unusually tried . [She]_{4646-my mother} flew into a passion , and told [me]_0-i that [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} was [a mad woman]_{7541-a mad woman} , and that [she]_{4646-my mother} was in [a madhouse]_{7675-a madhouse} forty miles away . [She]_{4646-my mother} had scarcely said this when [she]_{4646-my mother} repented , and told [me]_0-i that it was not the truth , and that [I]_0-i was not to believe it , or to say that [she]_{4646-my mother} had told [me]_0-i such a thing . [I]_0-i discovered afterward that [[my]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} had made [her]_{4646-my mother} promise most solemnly never to tell [me]_0-i the secret of [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} 's fate . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i brooded horribly upon the thought of [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} 's madness . It haunted [me]_0-i by day and night . [I]_0-i was always picturing to [myself]_0-i [this mad woman]_{3927-this mad woman} pacing up and down [some prison cell]_{3928-some prison cell} , in a hideous garment that bound [her]_{3927-this mad woman} tortured limbs . [I]_0-i had exaggerated ideas of the horror of [her]_{3927-this mad woman} situation . [I]_0-i had no knowledge of the different degrees of madness , and the image that haunted [me]_0-i was that of [a distraught and violent creature , who would fall upon [me]_0-i and kill [me]_0-i if [I]_0-i came within [her]_{3927-this mad woman} reach]_{3929-a distraught and violent creature , who would fall upon me and kill me if i came within her reach} . This idea grew upon [me]_0-i until [I]_0-i used to awake in the dead of night , screaming aloud in an agony of terror , from a dream in which [I]_0-i had felt [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} 's icy grasp upon [my]_0-i throat , and heard [her]_{4646-my mother} ravings in [my]_0-i ear . " When [I]_0-i was ten years old [[my]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} came to pay up the arrears due to [[my]_0-i protectress]_{7679-my protectress} , and to take [me]_0-i to [school]_6042-school . [He]_{4643-my father} had left [me]_0-i in [Hampshire]_{119-hampshire} longer than [he]_{4643-my father} had intended , from [his]_{4643-my father} inability to pay this money ; so there again [I]_0-i felt the bitterness of poverty , and ran the risk of growing up [an ignorant creature among [coarse rustic children]_{7682-coarse rustic children} , because [[my]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} was poor]_{7681-an ignorant creature among coarse rustic children , because my father was poor} . "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} paused for a moment , but only to take breath , for [she]_{468-my lady} had spoken rapidly , as if eager to tell this hated story , and to have done with it . [She]_{468-my lady} was still on [her]_{468-my lady} knees , but [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} made no effort to raise [her]_{468-my lady} . [He]_{146-sir michael} sat silent and immovable . What was this story that [he]_{146-sir michael} was listening to ? Whose was it , and to what was it to lead ? It could not be [[his]_{146-sir michael} wife]_{554-his wife} 's ; [he]_{146-sir michael} had heard [her]_{468-my lady} simple account of [her]_{468-my lady} youth , and had believed it as [he]_{146-sir michael} had believed in the Gospel . [She]_{468-my lady} had told [him]_{146-sir michael} a very brief story of [an early orphanage]_{3933-an early orphanage} , and a long , quiet , colorless youth spent in the conventional seclusion of [an English boarding - school]_{3934-an english boarding - school} . " [[My]_{468-my lady} father]_{4643-my father} came at last , and [I]_{468-my lady} told [him]_{4643-my father} what [I]_{468-my lady} had discovered . [He]_{4643-my father} was very much affected when [I]_{468-my lady} spoke of [[my]_{468-my lady} mother]_{4646-my mother} . [He]_{4643-my father} was not what [the world]_{519-the world} generally calls [a good man]_{7211-a good man} , but [I]_{468-my lady} learned afterward that [he]_{4643-my father} had loved [[his]_{4643-my father} wife]_{554-his wife} very dearly , and that [he]_{4643-my father} would have willingly sacrificed [his]_{4643-my father} life to [her]_{4646-my mother} , and constituted [himself]_{4643-my father} [[her]_{4646-my mother} guardian]_{7689-her guardian} , had [he]_{4643-my father} not been compelled to earn the daily bread of [the mad woman]_{7690-the mad woman} and [[her]_{7690-the mad woman} child]_{7691-her child} by the exercise of [his]_{4643-my father} profession . So here again [I]_{468-my lady} beheld what a bitter thing it is to be poor . [[My]_{468-my lady} mother , who might have been tended by [a devoted husband]_{7693-a devoted husband}]_{7692-my mother , who might have been tended by a devoted husband} , was given over to the care of [hired nurses]_{7694-hired nurses} . "_{[468-my lady]} Before [[my]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} sent [me]_0-i to [[school]_6042-school at [Torquay]_75-torquay]_{3937-school at torquay} , [he]_{4643-my father} took [me]_0-i to see [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} . This visit served at least to dispel the idea which had so often terrified [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i saw [no raving , straight - waist - coated maniac]_{3939-no raving , straight - waist - coated maniac} , guarded by [zealous jailers]_{3940-zealous jailers} , but [a golden - haired , blue - eyed , girlish creature , who seemed as frivolous as a butterfly]_{3941-a golden - haired , blue - eyed , girlish creature , who seemed as frivolous as a butterfly} , and who skipped toward [us]_3942-us with [her]_{3941-a golden - haired , blue - eyed , girlish creature , who seemed as frivolous as a butterfly} yellow curls decorated with natural flowers , and saluted [us]_3942-us with radiant smiles , and gay , ceaseless chatter . " But [she]_{4646-my mother} did n't know [us]_3942-us . [She]_{4646-my mother} would have spoken in the same manner to [any stranger who had entered the gates of [the garden]_{452-the garden} about [[her]_{4646-my mother} prison - house]_{7697-her prison - house}]_{7695-any stranger who had entered the gates of the garden about her prison - house} . [Her]_{4646-my mother} madness was an hereditary disease transmitted to [her]_{4646-my mother} from [[her]_{4646-my mother} mother]_{891-her mother} , who had died mad . [She]_{4646-my mother} , [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} , had been , or had appeared sane up to the hour of [my]_0-i birth , but from that hour [her]_{4646-my mother} intellect had decayed , and [she]_{4646-my mother} had become what [I]_0-i saw [her]_{4646-my mother} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i went away with the knowledge of this , and with the knowledge that the only inheritance [I]_0-i had to expect from [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} was — insanity ! " [I]_0-i went away with this knowledge in [my]_0-i mind , and with something more — a secret to keep . [I]_0-i was [a child of ten years only]_{7700-a child of ten years only} , but [I]_0-i felt all the weight of that burden . [I]_0-i was to keep the secret of [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} 's madness ; for it was a secret that might affect [me]_0-i injuriously in after - life . [I]_0-i was to remember this . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i did remember this ; and it was , perhaps , this that made [me]_0-i selfish and heartless , for [I]_0-i suppose [I]_0-i am heartless . As [I]_0-i grew older [I]_0-i was told that [I]_0-i was pretty — beautiful — lovely — bewitching . [I]_0-i heard all these things at first indifferently , but by - and - by [I]_0-i listened to them greedily , and began to think that in spite of the secret of [my]_0-i life [I]_0-i might be more successful in [the world]_{519-the world} 's great lottery than [[my]_0-i companions]_{3945-my companions} . [I]_0-i had learnt that which in some indefinite manner or other [every school - girl]_{3946-every school - girl} learns sooner or later — [I]_0-i learned that [my]_0-i ultimate fate in life depended upon [my]_0-i marriage , and [I]_0-i concluded that if [I]_0-i was indeed prettier than [[my]_0-i schoolfellows]_{3947-my schoolfellows} , [I]_0-i ought to marry better than [any one of [them]_{3947-my schoolfellows}]_{3948-any one of them} . " [I]_0-i left [school]_6042-school before [I]_0-i was seventeen years of age , with this thought in [my]_0-i mind , and [I]_0-i went to live at [the other extremity of [England]_7-england]_{7703-the other extremity of england} with [[my]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} , who had retired upon [his]_{4643-my father} half - pay , and had established [himself]_{4643-my father} at [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} , with the idea that [the place]_{385-the place} was cheap and select . "_[0-i] [The place]_{385-the place} was indeed select . [I]_0-i had not been [there]_374-there a month before [I]_0-i discovered that [even the prettiest girl]_{3951-even the prettiest girl} might wait a long time for [a rich husband]_{3952-a rich husband} . [I]_0-i wish to hurry over this part of [my]_0-i life . [I]_0-i dare say [I]_0-i was very despicable . [You]_3953-she and [[your]_3953-she nephew]_{5819-your nephew} , [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , have been rich all [your]_3953-she lives , and can very well afford to despise [me]_0-i ; but [I]_0-i knew how far poverty can affect a life , and [I]_0-i looked forward with a sickening dread to a life so affected . At last [the rich suitor]_{3955-the rich suitor} , [the wandering prince]_{3956-the wandering prince} came . " [She]_3953-she paused for a moment , and shuddered convulsively . It was impossible to see any of the changes in [her]_3953-she countenance , for [her]_3953-she face was obstinately bent toward the floor . Throughout [her]_3953-she long confession [she]_3953-she never lifted it ; throughout [her]_3953-she long confession [her]_3953-she voice was never broken by a tear . What [she]_3953-she had to tell [she]_3953-she told in a cold , hard tone , very much the tone in which [some criminal , dogged and sullen to the last]_{7706-some criminal , dogged and sullen to the last} , might have confessed to [a jail chaplain]_{7707-a jail chaplain} . "_{[3956-the wandering prince]} [The wandering prince]_{3956-the wandering prince} came , " [she]_3953-she repeated ; "_{[3956-the wandering prince]} [he]_{3956-the wandering prince} was called [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . " For the first time since [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} 's confession had begun , [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} started . [He]_157-george began to understand it all now . A crowd of unheeded words and forgotten circumstances that had seemed too insignificant for remark or recollection , flashed back upon [him]_157-george as vividly as if they had been the leading incidents of [his]_157-george past life . "_{[3956-the wandering prince]} [Mr. George Talboys]_157-george was [a cornet in a dragoon regiment]_{3958-a cornet in a dragoon regiment} . [He]_157-george was [the only son of [a rich country gentleman]_{3960-a rich country gentleman}]_{3959-the only son of a rich country gentleman} . [He]_157-george fell in love with [me]_0-i , and married [me]_0-i three months after [my]_0-i seventeenth birthday . [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i loved [him]_157-george as much as it was in [my]_0-i power to love [anybody]_706-anybody ; not more than [I]_0-i have loved [you]_3962-you , [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} — not so much , for when [you]_3962-you married [me]_0-i [you]_3962-you elevated [me]_0-i to a position that [he]_157-george could never have given [me]_0-i . " The dream was broken . [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} remembered that summer 's evening , nearly two years ago , when [he]_{146-sir michael} had first declared [his]_{146-sir michael} love for [[Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} 's governess]_{551-mr. dawson 's governess} ; [he]_{146-sir michael} remembered the sick , half - shuddering sensation of regret and disappointment that had come over [him]_{146-sir michael} then , and [he]_{146-sir michael} felt as if it had in some manner dimly foreshadowed the agony of to - night . But [I]_3962-you do not believe that even in [his]_{146-sir michael} misery [he]_{146-sir michael} felt that entire and unmitigated surprise , that utter revulsion of feeling that is felt when [a good woman]_{7710-a good woman} wanders away from [herself]_{7710-a good woman} and becomes [the lost creature whom [[her]_{7710-a good woman} husband]_{469-her husband} is bound in honor to abjure]_{7711-the lost creature whom her husband is bound in honor to abjure} . [I]_3962-you do not believe that [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} had ever really believed in [[his]_{146-sir michael} wife]_{554-his wife} . [He]_{146-sir michael} had loved [her]_{554-his wife} and admired [her]_{554-his wife} ; [he]_{146-sir michael} had been bewitched by [her]_{554-his wife} beauty and bewildered by [her]_{554-his wife} charms ; but that sense of something wanting , that vague feeling of loss and disappointment which had come upon [him]_{146-sir michael} on the summer 's night of [his]_{146-sir michael} betrothal had been with [him]_{146-sir michael} more or less distinctly ever since . [I]_3962-you can not believe that [an honest man]_{7714-an honest man} , however pure and single may be [his]_{7714-an honest man} mind , however simply trustful [his]_{7714-an honest man} nature , is ever really deceived by falsehood . There is beneath the voluntary confidence an involuntary distrust , not to be conquered by any effort of the will . "_[3962-you] [We]_3963-we were married , " [[my]_3962-you lady]_{468-my lady} continued , "_[3962-you] and [I]_0-i loved [him]_3964-him very well , quite well enough to be happy with [him]_3964-him as long as [his]_3964-him money lasted , and while [we]_3963-we were on [the Continent]_{4783-the continent} , traveling in the best style and always staying at [the best hotels]_{3966-the best hotels} . But when [we]_3963-we came back to [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} and lived with [papa]_1002-papa , and all the money was gone , and [George]_157-george grew gloomy and wretched , and was always thinking of [his]_157-george troubles , and appeared to neglect [me]_0-i , [I]_0-i was very unhappy , and it seemed as if this fine marriage had only given [me]_0-i a twelvemonth 's gayety and extravagance after all . [I]_0-i begged [George]_157-george to appeal to [[his]_157-george father]_{709-his father} , but [he]_{709-his father} refused . [I]_0-i persuaded [him]_3964-him to try and get employment , and [he]_3964-him failed . [[My]_0-i baby]_{3969-my baby} was born , and the crisis which had been fatal to [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} arose for [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i escaped , but [I]_0-i was more irritable perhaps after [my]_0-i recovery , less inclined to fight the hard battle of [the world]_{519-the world} , more disposed to complain of poverty and neglect . [I]_0-i did complain one day , loudly and bitterly ; [I]_0-i upbraided [George Talboys]_157-george for [his]_157-george cruelty in having allied [a helpless girl]_{3972-a helpless girl} to poverty and misery , and [he]_157-george flew into a passion with [me]_0-i and ran out of [the house]_{388-the house} . When [I]_0-i awoke the next morning , [I]_0-i found a letter lying on the table by [my]_0-i bed , telling [me]_0-i that [he]_157-george was going to [the antipodes]_{1438-the antipodes} to seek [his]_157-george fortune , and that [he]_157-george would never see [me]_0-i again until [he]_157-george was [a rich man]_{570-a rich man} . " [I]_157-george looked upon this as a desertion , and [I]_157-george resented it bitterly — resented it by hating [the man who had left [me]_157-george with [no protector]_{7717-no protector} but [a weak , tipsy father]_{7718-a weak , tipsy father} , and with [a child to support]_{7719-a child to support}]_{7716-the man who had left me with no protector but a weak , tipsy father , and with a child to support} . [I]_157-george had to work hard for [my]_157-george living , and in every hour of labor — and what labor is more wearisome than the dull slavery of [a governess?—I]_{7720-a governess?—i} recognized a separate wrong done [me]_157-george by [George Talboys]_157-george . [[His]_{7719-a child to support} father]_{709-his father} was rich , [[his]_157-george sister]_{6265-his sister} was living in luxury and respectability , and [I]_157-george , [[his]_157-george wife]_{554-his wife} , and [the mother of [[his]_157-george son]_{4957-his son}]_{7724-the mother of his son} , was [a slave allied to beggary and obscurity]_{7726-a slave allied to beggary and obscurity} . [People]_572-people pitied [me]_157-george , and [I]_157-george hated [them]_572-people for [their]_572-people pity . [I]_157-george did not love [the child]_{5037-the child} , for [he]_{5037-the child} had been left a burden upon [my]_157-george hands . The hereditary taint that was in [my]_157-george blood had never until this time showed itself by any one sign or token ; but at this time [I]_157-george became subject to fits of violence and despair . At this time [I]_157-george think [my]_157-george mind first lost its balance , and for the first time [I]_157-george crossed that invisible line which separates reason from madness . [I]_157-george have seen [[my]_157-george father]_{4643-my father} 's eyes fixed upon [me]_157-george in horror and alarm . [I]_157-george have known [him]_{4643-my father} soothe [me]_157-george as only [mad people]_{3336-mad people} and [children]_{5631-children} are soothed , and [I]_157-george have chafed against [his]_{4643-my father} petty devices , [I]_157-george have resented even [his]_{4643-my father} indulgence . "_[157-george] At last these fits of desperation resolved themselves into a desperate purpose . [I]_0-i determined to run away from [this wretched home which [my]_0-i slavery supported]_{3976-this wretched home which my slavery supported} . [I]_0-i determined to desert [this father who had more fear of [me]_0-i than love for [me]_0-i]_{3977-this father who had more fear of me than love for me} . [I]_0-i determined to go to [London]_3-london and lose [myself]_0-i in that great chaos of humanity . " [I]_0-i had seen an advertisement in the Times while [I]_0-i was at [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} , and [I]_0-i presented [myself]_0-i to [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} , [the advertiser]_{7732-the advertiser} , under a feigned name . [She]_{192-mrs. vincent} accepted [me]_0-i , waiving all questions as to [my]_0-i antecedents . [You]_7733-you know the rest . [I]_0-i came [here]_4776-here , and [you]_7733-you made [me]_0-i an offer , the acceptance of which would lift [me]_0-i at once into the sphere to which [my]_0-i ambition had pointed ever since [I]_0-i was [a school - girl]_{7735-a school - girl} , and heard for the first time that [I]_0-i was pretty . "_[0-i] Three years had passed , and [I]_0-i had received no token of [[my]_0-i husband]_{3083-my husband} 's existence ; for , [I]_0-i argued , that if [he]_{3083-my husband} had returned to [England]_7-england , [he]_{3083-my husband} would have succeeded in finding [me]_0-i under any name and in any place . [I]_0-i knew the energy of [his]_{3083-my husband} character well enough to know this . " [I]_0-i said ' [I]_0-i have a right to think that [he]_{3083-my husband} is dead , or that [he]_{3083-my husband} wishes [me]_0-i to believe [him]_{3083-my husband} dead , and [his]_{3083-my husband} shadow shall not stand between [me]_0-i and prosperity . ' [I]_0-i said this , and [I]_0-i became [[your]_{3083-my husband} wife]_{4675-your wife} , [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , with every resolution to be as good [a wife]_{7737-a wife} as it was in [my]_0-i nature to be . The common temptations that assail and shipwreck [some women]_{5705-some women} had no terror for [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i would have been [[your]_{3083-my husband} true and pure wife]_{7739-your true and pure wife} to the end of time , though [I]_0-i had been surrounded by [a legion of tempters]_{7740-a legion of tempters} . The mad folly that [the world]_{519-the world} calls love had never had any part in [my]_0-i madness , and here at least extremes met , and the vice of heartlessness became the virtue of constancy . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i was very happy in the first triumph and grandeur of [my]_0-i new position , very grateful to the hand that had lifted [me]_0-i to it . In the sunshine of [my]_0-i own happiness [I]_0-i felt , for the first time in [my]_0-i life , for the miseries of [others]_5097-others . [I]_0-i had been poor [myself]_0-i , and [I]_0-i was now rich , and could afford to pity and relieve the poverty of [[my]_0-i neighbors]_{3980-my neighbors} . [I]_0-i took pleasure in acts of kindness and benevolence . [I]_0-i found out [[my]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} 's address and sent [him]_{4643-my father} large sums of money , anonymously , for [I]_0-i did not wish [him]_{4643-my father} to discover what had become of [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i availed [myself]_0-i to the full of the privilege [your]_3982-your generosity afforded [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i dispensed happiness on every side . [I]_0-i saw [myself]_0-i loved as well as admired , and [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i might have been [a good woman]_{7710-a good woman} for the rest of [my]_0-i life , if fate would have allowed [me]_0-i to be so . " [I]_337-fate believe that at this time [my]_337-fate mind regained its just balance . [I]_337-fate had watched [myself]_337-fate very closely since leaving [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} ; [I]_337-fate had held a check upon [myself]_337-fate . [I]_337-fate had often wondered while sitting in [[the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} 's quiet family circle]_{7743-the surgeon 's quiet family circle} whether any suspicion of that invisible , hereditary taint had ever occurred to [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} . "_[337-fate] [Fate]_337-fate would not suffer [me]_0-i to be good . [My]_0-i destiny compelled [me]_0-i to be [a wretch]_{3984-a wretch} . Within a month of [my]_0-i marriage , [I]_0-i read in one of the Essex papers of the return of [a certain [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , [a fortunate gold - seeker]_{3986-a fortunate gold - seeker} , from [Australia]_11-australia]_{3985-a certain mr. talboys , a fortunate gold - seeker , from australia} . [The ship]_{3987-the ship} had sailed at the time [I]_0-i read the paragraph . What was to be done ? " [I]_3988-i said just now that [I]_3988-i knew the energy of [George]_157-george 's character . [I]_3988-i knew that [the man who had gone to the antipodes and won a fortune for [[his]_3988-i wife]_{554-his wife}]_{7744-the man who had gone to the antipodes and won a fortune for his wife} would leave no stone unturned in [his]_3988-i efforts to find [her]_{554-his wife} . It was hopeless to think of hiding [myself]_3988-i from [him]_3988-i . "_[3988-i] Unless [he]_3988-i could be induced to believe that [I]_0-i was dead , [he]_3988-i would never cease in [his]_3988-i search for [me]_0-i . " [My]_0-i brain was dazed as [I]_0-i thought of [my]_0-i peril . Again the balance trembled , again the invisible boundary was passed , again [I]_0-i was mad . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i went down to [Southampton]_{33-southampton} and found [[my]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} , who was living [there]_374-there with [[my]_0-i child]_{3991-my child} . [You]_3992-you remember how [Mrs. Vincent]_{192-mrs. vincent} 's name was used as an excuse for this hurried journey , and how it was contrived [I]_0-i should go with no other escort than [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe , whom [I]_0-i left at [the hotel]_{4975-the hotel} while [I]_0-i went to [[[my]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} 's house]_{3995-my father 's house} . " [I]_{4643-my father} confided to [[my]_{4643-my father} father]_{4643-my father} the whole secret of [my]_{4643-my father} peril . [He]_{4643-my father} was not very much shocked at what [I]_{4643-my father} had done , for poverty had perhaps blunted [his]_{4643-my father} sense of honor and principle . [He]_{4643-my father} was not very much shocked , but [he]_{4643-my father} was frightened , and [he]_{4643-my father} promised to do all in [his]_{4643-my father} power to assist [me]_{4643-my father} in [my]_{4643-my father} horrible emergency . "_{[4643-my father]} [He]_{4643-my father} had received a letter addressed to [me]_0-i at [Wildernsea]_{97-wildernsea} , by [George]_157-george , and forwarded from there to [[my]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} . This letter had been written within a few days of the sailing of [the Argus]_{618-the argus} , and it announced the probable date of [the ship]_{3987-the ship} 's arrival at [Liverpool]_6-liverpool . This letter gave [us]_3999-we , therefore , data upon which to act . " [We]_3999-we decided at once upon the first step . This was that on the date of the probable arrival of [the Argus]_{618-the argus} , or a few days later , an advertisement of [my]_{4643-my father} death should be inserted in the Times . "_{[4643-my father]} But almost immediately after deciding upon this , [we]_3999-we saw that there were fearful difficulties in the carrying out of such a simple plan . The date of the death , and the place in which [I]_0-i died , must be announced , as well as the death itself . [George]_157-george would immediately hurry to [that place]_{7539-that place} , however distant [it]_{7539-that place} might be , however comparatively inaccessible , and the shallow falsehood would be discovered . " [I]_0-i knew enough of [his]_{4643-my father} sanguine temperament , [his]_{4643-my father} courage and determination , [his]_{4643-my father} readiness to hope against hope , to know that unless [he]_{4643-my father} saw [the grave in which [I]_0-i was buried]_{7748-the grave in which i was buried} , and the register of [my]_0-i death , [he]_{4643-my father} would never believe that [I]_0-i was lost to [him]_{4643-my father} . "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} was utterly dumfounded and helpless . [He]_{4643-my father} could only shed childish tears of despair and terror . [He]_{4643-my father} was of no use to [me]_0-i in this crisis . " [I]_0-i was hopeless of any issue out of [my]_0-i difficulties . [I]_0-i began to think that [I]_0-i must trust to the chapter of accidents , and hope that among other obscure corners of [the earth]_{5601-the earth} , [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} might be undreamt of by [[my]_0-i husband]_{3083-my husband} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i sat with [[my]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} , drinking tea with [him]_{4643-my father} in [[his]_{4643-my father} miserable hovel]_{4003-his miserable hovel} , and playing with [the child]_{5037-the child} , who was pleased with [my]_0-i dress and jewels , but quite unconscious that [I]_0-i was anything but [a stranger to [him]_{4643-my father}]_{4005-a stranger to him} . [I]_0-i had [the boy]_{5049-the boy} in [my]_0-i arms , when [a woman who attended [him]_{5049-the boy}]_{4007-a woman who attended him} came to fetch [him]_{5049-the boy} that [she]_{4007-a woman who attended him} might make [him]_{5049-the boy} more fit to be seen by [the lady]_{673-the lady} , as [she]_{4007-a woman who attended him} said . " [I]_{673-the lady} was anxious to know how [the boy]_{5049-the boy} was treated , and [I]_{673-the lady} detained [this woman]_{557-this woman} in conversation with [me]_{673-the lady} while [[my]_{673-the lady} father]_{4643-my father} dozed over the tea - table . "_{[673-the lady]} [She]_{673-the lady} was [a pale - faced , sandy - haired woman of about five - and - forty]_{4009-a pale - faced , sandy - haired woman of about five - and - forty} and [she]_{673-the lady} seemed very glad to get the chance of talking to [me]_0-i as long as [I]_0-i pleased to allow [her]_{673-the lady} . [She]_{673-the lady} soon left off talking of [the boy]_{5049-the boy} , however , to tell [me]_0-i of [her]_{673-the lady} own troubles . [She]_{673-the lady} was in very great trouble , [she]_{673-the lady} told [me]_0-i . [[Her]_{673-the lady} eldest daughter]_{4011-her eldest daughter} had been obliged to leave [her]_{4011-her eldest daughter} situation from ill - health ; in fact , [the doctor]_{7600-the doctor} said [the girl]_{753-the girl} was in a decline ; and it was a hard thing for [a poor widow]_{4014-a poor widow} who had seen better days to have [a sick daughter to support]_{4015-a sick daughter to support} , as well as [a family of young children]_{4016-a family of young children} . " [I]_0-i let [the woman]_{5008-the woman} run on for a long time in this manner , telling [me]_0-i [the girl]_{753-the girl} 's ailments , and [the girl]_{753-the girl} 's age , and [[the girl]_{753-the girl} 's [doctor]_7759-doctor]_{7758-the girl 's doctor} 's stuff , and piety , and sufferings , and a great deal more . But [I]_0-i neither listened to [her]_{5008-the woman} nor heeded [her]_{5008-the woman} . [I]_0-i heard [her]_{5008-the woman} , but only in a far - away manner , as [I]_0-i heard the traffic in [the street]_{4740-the street} , or the ripple of the stream at the bottom of it . What were [this woman]_{557-this woman} 's troubles to [me]_0-i ? [I]_0-i had miseries of [my]_0-i own , and worse miseries than [her]_{557-this woman} coarse nature could ever have to endure . [These sort of people]_{7762-these sort of people} always had [sick husbands]_{7763-sick husbands} or [sick children]_{7764-sick children} , and expected to be helped in [their]_{7762-these sort of people} illness by [the rich]_{7765-the rich} . It was nothing out of the common . [I]_0-i was thinking this , and [I]_0-i was just going to dismiss [the woman]_{5008-the woman} with a sovereign for [[her]_{5008-the woman} sick daughter]_{7767-her sick daughter} , when an idea flashed upon [me]_0-i with such painful suddenness that it sent the blood surging up to [my]_0-i brain , and set [my]_0-i heart beating , as it only beats when [I]_0-i am mad . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i asked [the woman]_{5008-the woman} [her]_{5008-the woman} name . [She]_{5008-the woman} was [a Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} , and [she]_{5008-the woman} kept [a small general shop]_{4018-a small general shop} , [she]_{5008-the woman} said , and only ran in now and then to look after [Georgey]_187-georgey , and to see that [the little maid - of - all - work]_{4019-the little maid - of - all - work} took care of [him]_187-georgey . [[Her]_{5008-the woman} daughter]_{4020-her daughter} 's name was [Matilda]_244-matilda . [I]_0-i asked [her]_{5008-the woman} several questions about [this girl]_{2487-this girl} [Matilda]_244-matilda , and [I]_0-i ascertained that [she]_{2487-this girl} was four - and - twenty , that [she]_{2487-this girl} had always been consumptive , and that [she]_{2487-this girl} was now , as [the doctor]_{7600-the doctor} said , going off in a rapid decline . [He]_{7600-the doctor} had declared that [she]_{2487-this girl} could not last much more than a fortnight . " It was in three weeks that [the ship]_{3987-the ship} that carried [George Talboys]_157-george was expected to anchor in [the Mersey]_{8-the mersey} . "_{[7600-the doctor]} [I]_0-i need not dwell upon this business . [I]_0-i visited [the sick girl]_{4023-the sick girl} . [She]_{4023-the sick girl} was fair and slender . [Her]_{4023-the sick girl} description , carelessly given , might tally nearly enough with [my]_0-i own , though [she]_{4023-the sick girl} bore no shadow of resemblance to [me]_0-i , except in these two particulars . [I]_0-i was received by [the girl]_{753-the girl} as [a rich lady who wished to do [her]_{753-the girl} a service]_{4025-a rich lady who wished to do her a service} . [I]_0-i bought [the mother]_{4026-the mother} , who was poor and greedy , and who for a gift of money , more money than [she]_{4026-the mother} had ever before received , consented to submit to anything [I]_0-i wished . Upon the second day after [my]_0-i introduction to [this Mrs. Plowson]_{241-mrs. plowson} , [[my]_0-i father]_{4643-my father} went over to [Ventnor]_26-ventnor , and hired lodgings for [[his]_{4643-my father} invalid daughter]_{4028-his invalid daughter} and [[her]_{4028-his invalid daughter} little boy]_{889-her little boy} . Early the next morning [he]_{4643-my father} carried over [the dying girl]_{4030-the dying girl} and [Georgey]_187-georgey , who had been bribed to call [her]_{4030-the dying girl} ' [mamma]_5519-mamma . ' [She]_{4030-the dying girl} entered [the house]_{388-the house} as [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} ; [she]_{4030-the dying girl} was attended by [a Ventnor medical man]_{4033-a ventnor medical man} as [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} ; [she]_{4030-the dying girl} died , and [her]_{4030-the dying girl} death and burial were registered in that name . " The advertisement was inserted in the Times , and upon the second day after its insertion [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} visited [Ventnor]_26-ventnor , and ordered the tombstone which at this hour records the death of [[his]_{4643-my father} wife]_{554-his wife} , [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} . "_{[146-sir michael]} [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} rose slowly , and with a stiff , constrained action , as if every physical sense had been benumbed by that one sense of misery . " [I]_{146-sir michael} can not hear any more , "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} said , in a hoarse whisper ; " if there is anything more to be told [I]_{146-sir michael} can not hear it . [Robert]_173-robert , it is [you]_173-robert who have brought about this discovery , as [I]_{146-sir michael} understand . [I]_{146-sir michael} want to know nothing more . Will [you]_173-robert take upon [yourself]_173-robert the duty of providing for the safety and comfort of [this lady whom [I]_{146-sir michael} have thought [[my]_{146-sir michael} wife]_{711-my wife}]_{7770-this lady whom i have thought my wife} ? [I]_{146-sir michael} need not ask [you]_173-robert to remember in all [you]_173-robert do , that [I]_{146-sir michael} have loved [her]_{7770-this lady whom i have thought my wife} very dearly and truly . [I]_{146-sir michael} can not say farewell to [her]_{7770-this lady whom i have thought my wife} . [I]_{146-sir michael} will not say it until [I]_{146-sir michael} can think of [her]_{7770-this lady whom i have thought my wife} without bitterness — until [I]_{146-sir michael} can pity [her]_{7770-this lady whom i have thought my wife} , as [I]_{146-sir michael} now pray that [God]_164-god may pity [her]_{7770-this lady whom i have thought my wife} this night . "_{[146-sir michael]} [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} walked slowly from [the room]_{595-the room} . [He]_{146-sir michael} did not trust [himself]_{146-sir michael} to look at [that crouching figure]_{4035-that crouching figure} . [He]_{146-sir michael} did not wish to see the creature whom [he]_{146-sir michael} had cherished . [He]_{146-sir michael} went straight to [[his]_{146-sir michael} dressing - room]_{957-his dressing - room} , rung for [[his]_{146-sir michael} valet]_{4037-his valet} , and ordered [him]_{4037-his valet} to pack a portmanteau , and make all necessary arrangements for accompanying [[his]_{146-sir michael} master]_{2445-his master} by [the last up - train]_{4039-the last up - train} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert followed [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} into [the vestibule]_{3508-the vestibule} after [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} had spoken those few quiet words which sounded the death - knell of [his]_{146-sir michael} hope and love . [Heaven]_201-heaven knows how much [the young man]_{667-the young man} had feared the coming of this day . It had come ; and though there had been no great outburst of despair , no whirlwind of stormy grief , no loud tempest of anguish and tears , [Robert]_173-robert took no comforting thought from the unnatural stillness . [He]_173-robert knew enough to know that [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} went away with the barbed arrow , which [[his]_{146-sir michael} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} 's hand had sent home to its aim , rankling in [his]_{146-sir michael} tortured heart ; [he]_173-robert knew that this strange and icy calm was the first numbness of a heart stricken by grief so unexpected as for a time to be rendered almost incomprehensible by a blank stupor of astonishment ; [he]_173-robert knew that when this dull quiet had passed away , when little by little , and one by one , each horrible feature of [the sufferer]_{3711-the sufferer} 's sorrow became first dimly apparent and then terribly familiar to [him]_173-robert , the storm would burst in fatal fury , and tempests of tears and cruel thunder - claps of agony would rend that generous heart . [Robert]_173-robert had heard of cases in which [men of [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's age]_{4045-men of his uncle 's age} had borne some great grief , as [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} had borne this , with a strange quiet ; and had gone away from [those who would have comforted [them]_{4045-men of his uncle 's age} , and [whose anxieties have been relieved by this patient stillness]_{4048-whose anxieties have been relieved by this patient stillness} , to fall down upon the ground and die under the blow which at first had only stunned [him]_173-robert]_{4047-those who would have comforted them , and whose anxieties have been relieved by this patient stillness , to fall down upon the ground and die under the blow which at first had only stunned him} . [He]_173-robert remembered cases in which paralysis and apoplexy had stricken [men]_4634-men as strong as [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} in the first hour of the horrible affliction ; and [he]_173-robert lingered in [the lamp - lit vestibule]_{4051-the lamp - lit vestibule} , wondering whether it was not [his]_173-robert duty to be with [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} — to be near [him]_{146-sir michael} , in case of any emergency , and to accompany [him]_{146-sir michael} wherever [he]_{146-sir michael} went . Yet would it be wise to force [himself]_173-robert upon [that gray - headed sufferer]_{4052-that gray - headed sufferer} in this cruel hour , in which [he]_173-robert had been awakened from the one delusion of a blameless life to discover that [he]_173-robert had been [the dupe of a false face]_{4053-the dupe of a false face} , and the fool of a nature which was too coldly mercenary , too cruelly heartless , to be sensible of its own infamy ? " No , "_[173-robert] thought [Robert Audley]_173-robert , " [I]_173-robert will not intrude upon the anguish of this wounded heart . There is humiliation mingled with this bitter grief . It is better [he]_{146-sir michael} should fight the battle alone . [I]_173-robert have done what [I]_173-robert believe to have been [my]_173-robert solemn duty , yet [I]_173-robert should scarcely wonder if [I]_173-robert had rendered [myself]_173-robert forever hateful to [him]_{146-sir michael} . It is better [he]_{146-sir michael} should fight the battle alone . [I]_173-robert can do nothing to make the strife less terrible . Better that it should be fought alone . "_[173-robert] While [the young man]_{667-the young man} stood with [his]_{667-the young man} hand upon the library door , still half - doubtful whether [he]_{667-the young man} should follow [[his]_{667-the young man} uncle]_{4872-his uncle} or re - enter [the room in which [he]_{667-the young man} had left]_{4056-the room in which he had left} [that more wretched creature whom it had been [his]_{667-the young man} business to unmask , [Alicia Audley]_149-alicia]_{4057-that more wretched creature whom it had been his business to unmask , alicia audley} opened the dining - room door , and revealed to [him]_{667-the young man} [the old - fashioned oak - paneled apartment]_{4058-the old - fashioned oak - paneled apartment} , the long table covered with showy damask , and bright with a cheerful glitter of glass and silver . " Is papa coming to dinner ? "_[149-alicia] asked [Miss Audley]_149-alicia . " [I]_{5100-the young lady} 'm so hungry ; and poor [Tomlins]_339-tomlins has sent up three times to say the fish will be spoiled . It must be reduced to a species of isinglass soup , by this time , [I]_{5100-the young lady} should think , "_{[5100-the young lady]} added [the young lady]_{5100-the young lady} , as [she]_{5100-the young lady} came out into [the vestibule]_{3508-the vestibule} with the Times newspaper in [her]_{5100-the young lady} hand . [She]_{5100-the young lady} had been sitting by the fire reading the paper , and waiting for [[her]_{5100-the young lady} seniors]_{4061-her seniors} to join [her]_{5100-the young lady} at the dinner table . " Oh , it 's [you]_173-robert , [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert . "_{[5100-the young lady]} [she]_{5100-the young lady} remarked , indifferently . " [You]_173-robert dine with [us]_7772-us of course . Pray go and find [papa]_1002-papa . It must be nearly eight o'clock , and [we]_7772-us are supposed to dine at six . "_{[5100-the young lady]} [Mr. Audley]_173-robert answered [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} rather sternly . [Her]_{786-his cousin} frivolous manner jarred upon [him]_173-robert , and [he]_173-robert forgot in [his]_173-robert irrational displeasure that [Miss Audley]_149-alicia had known nothing of the terrible drama which had been so long enacting under [her]_149-alicia very nose . " [[Your]_149-alicia papa]_{5513-your papa} has just endured a very great grief , [Alicia]_149-alicia , "_{[667-the young man]} [the young man]_{667-the young man} said , gravely . [The girl]_{753-the girl} 's arch , laughing face changed in a moment to a tenderly earnest look of sorrow and anxiety . [Alicia Audley]_149-alicia loved [[her]_149-alicia father]_{481-her father} very dearly . " A grief ? "_[149-alicia] [she]_149-alicia exclaimed ; " [papa]_1002-papa grieved ! Oh ! [Robert]_173-robert , what has happened ? "_[149-alicia] " [I]_173-robert can tell [you]_149-alicia nothing yet , [Alicia]_149-alicia , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert answered in a low voice . [He]_173-robert took [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} by the wrist , and drew [her]_{786-his cousin} into [the dining - room]_{4737-the dining - room} as [he]_173-robert spoke . [He]_173-robert closed the door carefully behind [him]_173-robert before [he]_173-robert continued : " [Alicia]_149-alicia , can [I]_173-robert trust [you]_149-alicia ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert asked , earnestly . " Trust [me]_173-robert to do what ? "_[173-robert] " To be a comfort and [a friend to [[your]_149-alicia poor father]_{7777-your poor father}]_{7776-a friend to your poor father} under a very heavy affliction . "_[173-robert] " Yes ! "_[149-alicia] cried [Alicia]_149-alicia , passionately . " How can [you]_173-robert ask [me]_149-alicia such a question ? Do [you]_173-robert think there is anything [I]_149-alicia would not do to lighten any sorrow of [[my]_149-alicia father]_{4643-my father} 's ? Do [you]_173-robert think there is anything [I]_149-alicia would not suffer if [my]_149-alicia suffering could lighten [his]_{4643-my father} ? "_[149-alicia] The rushing tears rose to [Miss Audley]_149-alicia 's bright gray eyes as [she]_149-alicia spoke . " Oh , [Robert]_173-robert ! [Robert]_173-robert ! could [you]_173-robert think so badly of [me]_149-alicia as to think [I]_149-alicia would not try to be a comfort to [[my]_149-alicia father]_{4643-my father} in [his]_{4643-my father} grief ? "_[149-alicia] [she]_149-alicia said , reproachfully . " No , no , [[my]_{667-the young man} dear]_{4626-my dear} , "_{[667-the young man]} answered [the young man]_{667-the young man} , quietly ; " [I]_{667-the young man} never doubted [your]_{4626-my dear} affection , [I]_{667-the young man} only doubted [your]_{4626-my dear} discretion . May [I]_{667-the young man} rely upon that ? "_{[667-the young man]} " [You]_173-robert may , [Robert]_173-robert , "_[149-alicia] said [Alicia]_149-alicia , resolutely . " Very well , then , [[my]_149-alicia dear girl]_{3265-my dear girl} , [I]_149-alicia will trust [you]_{4626-my dear} . [[Your]_{4626-my dear} father]_{914-your father} is going to leave [the Court]_{373-the court} , for a time at least . The grief which [he]_{4643-my father} has just endured — a sudden and unlooked - for sorrow , remember — has no doubt made this place hateful to [him]_{4643-my father} . [He]_{4643-my father} is going away ; but [he]_{4643-my father} must not go alone , must [he]_{4643-my father} , [Alicia]_149-alicia ? "_[149-alicia] " Alone ? no ! no ! But [I]_{667-the young man} suppose [[my]_{667-the young man} lady]_{468-my lady} — "_{[667-the young man]} " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} will not go with [him]_{4643-my father} , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , gravely ; " [he]_{4643-my father} is about to separate [himself]_{4643-my father} from [her]_{150-lady audley} . "_[173-robert] " For a time ? "_{[667-the young man]} " No , forever . "_{[667-the young man]} " Separate [himself]_{4643-my father} from [her]_{150-lady audley} forever ! "_[149-alicia] exclaimed [Alicia]_149-alicia . " Then this grief — "_[149-alicia] " Is connected with [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} is the cause of [[your]_149-alicia father]_{914-your father} 's sorrow . "_[149-alicia] [Alicia]_149-alicia 's face , which had been pale before , flushed crimson . Sorrow , of which [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} was the cause — a sorrow which was to separate [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} forever from [[his]_{146-sir michael} wife]_{554-his wife} ! There had been no quarrel between [them]_4071-them — there had never been anything but harmony and sunshine between [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} and [[her]_{150-lady audley} generous husband]_{5130-her generous husband} . This sorrow must surely then have arisen from some sudden discovery ; it was , no doubt , a sorrow associated with disgrace . [Robert Audley]_173-robert understood the meaning of that vivid blush . " [You]_149-alicia will offer to accompany [[your]_149-alicia father]_{914-your father} wherever [he]_{914-your father} may choose to go , [Alicia]_149-alicia , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said . " [You]_149-alicia are [his]_{914-your father} natural comforter at such a time as this , but [you]_149-alicia will best befriend [him]_{914-your father} in this hour of trial by avoiding all intrusion upon [his]_{914-your father} grief . [Your]_149-alicia very ignorance of the particulars of that grief will be a security for [your]_149-alicia discretion . Say nothing to [[your]_149-alicia father]_{914-your father} that [you]_149-alicia might not have said to [him]_{914-your father} two years ago , before [he]_{914-your father} married [a second wife]_{470-a second wife} . Try and be to [him]_{914-your father} what [you]_149-alicia were before [the woman in [yonder room]_{7790-yonder room}]_{7789-the woman in yonder room} came between [you]_149-alicia and [[your]_149-alicia father]_{914-your father} 's love . "_[173-robert] " [I]_149-alicia will , "_[149-alicia] murmured [Alicia]_149-alicia , " [I]_149-alicia will . "_[149-alicia] " [You]_149-alicia will naturally avoid all mention of [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} 's name . If [[your]_149-alicia father]_{914-your father} is often silent , be patient ; if it sometimes seems to [you]_149-alicia that the shadow of this great sorrow will never pass away from [his]_{914-your father} life , be patient still ; and remember that there can be no better hope of a cure of [his]_{914-your father} grief than the hope that [[his]_{914-your father} daughter]_{556-his daughter} 's devotion may lead [him]_{914-your father} to remember there is [one woman upon [this earth]_{1644-this earth} who will love [him]_{914-your father} truly and purely until the last]_{7794-one woman upon this earth who will love him truly and purely until the last} . "_[173-robert] " Yes — yes , [Robert]_173-robert , [dear cousin]_{7796-dear cousin} , [I]_149-alicia will remember . "_[149-alicia] [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , for the first time since [he]_173-robert had been [a schoolboy]_{4073-a schoolboy} , took [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} in [his]_173-robert arms and kissed [her]_{786-his cousin} broad forehead . " [[My]_173-robert dear]_{4626-my dear} [Alicia]_149-alicia , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " do this and [you]_149-alicia will make [me]_173-robert happy . [I]_173-robert have been in some measure the means of bringing this sorrow upon [[your]_149-alicia father]_{914-your father} . Let [me]_173-robert hope that it is not an enduring one . Try and restore [[my]_173-robert uncle]_{991-my uncle} to happiness , [Alicia]_149-alicia , and [I]_173-robert will love [you]_149-alicia more dearly than [brother]_7800-brother ever loved [a noble - hearted sister]_{7801-a noble - hearted sister} ; and a brotherly affection may be worth having , perhaps , after all , [[my]_173-robert dear]_{4626-my dear} , though it is very different to [poor Sir [Harry]_{214-sir harry towers} 's enthusiastic worship]_{7803-poor sir harry 's enthusiastic worship} . "_[173-robert] [Alicia]_149-alicia 's head was bent and [her]_149-alicia face hidden from [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} while [he]_{790-her cousin} spoke , but [she]_149-alicia lifted [her]_149-alicia head when [he]_{790-her cousin} had finished , and looked [him]_{790-her cousin} full in the face with a smile that was only the brighter for [her]_149-alicia eyes being filled with tears . " [You]_{790-her cousin} are [a good fellow]_{4860-a good fellow} , [Bob]_174-bob , "_[149-alicia] [she]_149-alicia said ; " and [I]_149-alicia 've been very foolish and wicked to feel angry with [you]_174-bob because — "_[149-alicia] [The young lady]_{5100-the young lady} stopped suddenly . " Because what , [[my]_{5100-the young lady} dear]_{4626-my dear} ? "_{[5100-the young lady]} asked [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . " Because [I]_149-alicia 'm silly , [Cousin Robert]_{311-cousin robert} , "_[149-alicia] [Alicia]_149-alicia said , quickly ; " never mind that , [Bob]_174-bob , [I]_149-alicia 'll do all [you]_174-bob wish , and it shall not be [my]_149-alicia fault if [[my]_149-alicia dearest father]_{7806-my dearest father} does n't forget [his]_{7806-my dearest father} troubles before long . [I]_149-alicia 'd go to [the end of [the world]_{519-the world}]_{7807-the end of the world} with [him]_{7806-my dearest father} , [poor darling]_{7809-poor darling} , if [I]_149-alicia thought there was any comfort to be found for [him]_{7806-my dearest father} in the journey . [I]_149-alicia 'll go and get ready directly . Do [you]_174-bob think [papa]_1002-papa will go to - night ? "_[149-alicia] " Yes , [[my]_149-alicia dear]_{4626-my dear} ; [I]_149-alicia do n't think [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} will rest another night under this roof yet awhile . "_[149-alicia] " The mail goes at twenty minutes past nine , "_[149-alicia] said [Alicia]_149-alicia ; " [we]_7812-we must leave [the house]_{388-the house} in an hour if [we]_7812-we are to travel by [it]_7814-it . [I]_149-alicia shall see [you]_174-bob again before [we]_7812-we go , [Robert]_173-robert ? "_[149-alicia] " Yes , [dear]_5809-dear . "_[149-alicia] [Miss Audley]_149-alicia ran off to [[her]_149-alicia room]_{7372-her room} to summon [[her]_149-alicia maid]_{761-her maid} , and make all necessary preparations for the sudden journey , of whose ultimate destination [she]_149-alicia was as yet quite ignorant . [She]_149-alicia went heart and soul into the carrying out of the duty which [Robert]_173-robert had dictated to [her]_149-alicia . [She]_149-alicia assisted in the packing of [her]_149-alicia portmanteaus , and hopelessly bewildered [[her]_149-alicia maid]_{761-her maid} by stuffing silk dresses into [her]_149-alicia bonnet - boxes and satin shoes into [her]_149-alicia dressing - case . [She]_149-alicia roamed about [[her]_149-alicia rooms]_{1114-her rooms} , gathering together drawing - materials , music - books , needle - work , hair - brushes , jewelry , and perfume - bottles , very much as [she]_149-alicia might have done had [she]_149-alicia been about to sail for [some savage country]_{4081-some savage country} , devoid of all civilized resources . [She]_149-alicia was thinking all the time of [[her]_149-alicia father]_{481-her father} 's unknown grief , and perhaps a little of the serious face and earnest voice which had that night revealed [[her]_149-alicia Cousin]_{790-her cousin} [Robert]_173-robert to [her]_149-alicia in a new character . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert went up - [stairs]_5306-stairs after [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} , and found [his]_173-robert way to [[Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's dressing - room]_{4086-sir michael 's dressing - room} . [He]_173-robert knocked at the door and listened , Heaven knows how anxiously , for the expected answer . There was a moment 's pause , during which [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's heart beat loud and fast , and then the door was opened by [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} [himself]_{465-the baronet} . [Robert]_173-robert saw that [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's valet]_{4090-his uncle 's valet} was already hard at work preparing for [[his]_173-robert master]_{2445-his master} 's hurried journey . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} came out into [the corridor]_{4092-the corridor} . " Have [you]_173-robert anything more to say to [me]_{146-sir michael} , [Robert]_173-robert ? "_{[146-sir michael]} [he]_{146-sir michael} asked , quietly . " [I]_{146-sir michael} only came to ascertain if [I]_{146-sir michael} could assist in any of [your]_173-robert arrangements . [You]_173-robert go to [London]_3-london by the mail ? "_{[146-sir michael]} " Yes . "_{[146-sir michael]} " Have [you]_173-robert any idea of where [you]_173-robert will stay . "_{[146-sir michael]} " Yes , [I]_{146-sir michael} shall stop at [the Clarendon]_{120-the clarendon} ; [I]_{146-sir michael} am known [there]_374-there . Is that all [you]_173-robert have to say ? "_{[146-sir michael]} " Yes ; except that [Alicia]_149-alicia will accompany [you]_173-robert ? "_{[146-sir michael]} " [Alicia]_149-alicia ! "_{[146-sir michael]} " [She]_149-alicia could not very well stay here , [you]_173-robert know , just now . It would be best for [her]_149-alicia to leave [the Court]_{373-the court} until — "_{[146-sir michael]} " Yes , yes , [I]_{465-the baronet} understand , "_{[465-the baronet]} interrupted [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} ; " but is there nowhere else that [she]_149-alicia could go — must [she]_149-alicia be with [me]_{465-the baronet} ? "_{[465-the baronet]} " [She]_149-alicia could go nowhere else so immediately , and [she]_149-alicia would not be happy anywhere else . "_{[146-sir michael]} " Let [her]_149-alicia come , then , "_{[146-sir michael]} said [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , " let [her]_149-alicia come . "_{[146-sir michael]} [He]_{146-sir michael} spoke in a strange , subdued voice , and with an apparent effort , as if it were painful to [him]_{146-sir michael} to have to speak at all ; as if all this ordinary business of life were a cruel torture to [him]_{146-sir michael} , and jarred so much upon [his]_{146-sir michael} grief as to be almost worse to bear than that grief itself . " Very well , [[my]_{465-the baronet} dear uncle]_{1023-my dear uncle} , then all is arranged ; [Alicia]_149-alicia will be ready to start at nine o'clock . "_{[465-the baronet]} " Very good , very good , "_{[465-the baronet]} muttered [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} ; " let [her]_149-alicia come if [she]_149-alicia pleases , [poor child]_{7819-poor child} , let [her]_149-alicia come . "_{[146-sir michael]} [He]_{146-sir michael} sighed heavily as [he]_{146-sir michael} spoke in that half pitying tone of [[his]_{146-sir michael} daughter]_{556-his daughter} . [He]_{146-sir michael} was thinking how comparatively indifferent [he]_{146-sir michael} had been toward [that only child]_{4096-that only child} for the sake of [the woman]_{5008-the woman} now shut in [the fire - lit room below]_{4098-the fire - lit room below} . " [I]_173-robert shall see [you]_{465-the baronet} again before [you]_{465-the baronet} go , [sir]_900-sir , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert ; " [I]_173-robert will leave [you]_{465-the baronet} till then . "_[173-robert] " Stay ! "_{[146-sir michael]} said [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , suddenly ; " have [you]_{465-the baronet} told [Alicia]_149-alicia ? "_{[146-sir michael]} " [I]_173-robert have told [her]_149-alicia nothing , except that [you]_{465-the baronet} are about to leave [the Court]_{373-the court} for some time . "_[173-robert] " [You]_{465-the baronet} are very good , [[my]_{465-the baronet} boy]_{7822-my boy} , [you]_{465-the baronet} are very good , "_{[465-the baronet]} [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} murmured in a broken voice . [He]_{465-the baronet} stretched out [his]_{465-the baronet} hand . [[His]_{465-the baronet} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} took it in both [his]_{5177-his nephew} own , and pressed it to [his]_{5177-his nephew} lips . " Oh , [sir]_900-sir ! how can [I]_{465-the baronet} ever forgive [myself]_{465-the baronet} ? "_{[465-the baronet]} [he]_{465-the baronet} said ; " how can [I]_{465-the baronet} ever cease to hate [myself]_{465-the baronet} for having brought this grief upon [you]_{465-the baronet} ? "_{[465-the baronet]} " No , no , [Robert]_173-robert , [you]_{465-the baronet} did right ; [I]_{146-sir michael} wish that [God]_164-god had been so merciful to [me]_{146-sir michael} as to take [my]_{146-sir michael} miserable life before this night ; but [you]_{465-the baronet} did right . "_{[146-sir michael]} [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} re - entered [[his]_{146-sir michael} dressing - room]_{957-his dressing - room} , and [Robert]_173-robert slowly returned to [the vestibule]_{3508-the vestibule} . [He]_173-robert paused upon the threshold of [that chamber in which [he]_173-robert had left [Lucy]_197-lucy — [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley}]_{4103-that chamber in which he had left lucy — lady audley} , otherwise [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} , [the wife of [[his]_173-robert lost friend]_{2029-his lost friend}]_{4104-the wife of his lost friend} . [She]_197-lucy was lying upon the floor , upon the very spot in which [she]_197-lucy had crouched at [[her]_197-lucy husband]_{469-her husband} 's feet telling [her]_197-lucy guilty story . Whether [she]_197-lucy was in a swoon , or whether [she]_197-lucy lay there in the utter helplessness of [her]_197-lucy misery , [Robert]_173-robert scarcely cared to know . [He]_173-robert went out into [the vestibule]_{3508-the vestibule} , and sent [one of [the servants]_{545-the servants}]_{7438-one of the servants} to look for [[her]_197-lucy maid]_{761-her maid} , [the smart , be - ribboned damsel who was loud in wonder and consternation at the sight of [[her]_197-lucy mistress]_{1497-her mistress}]_{4111-the smart , be - ribboned damsel who was loud in wonder and consternation at the sight of her mistress} . " [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} is very ill , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said ; " take [her]_{150-lady audley} to [[her]_{150-lady audley} room]_{7372-her room} and see that [she]_{150-lady audley} does not leave it to - night . [You]_{753-the girl} will be good enough to remain near [her]_{150-lady audley} , but do not either talk to [her]_{150-lady audley} or suffer [her]_{150-lady audley} to excite [herself]_{150-lady audley} by talking . "_[173-robert] [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} had not fainted ; [she]_{468-my lady} allowed [the girl]_{753-the girl} to assist [her]_{468-my lady} , and rose from the ground upon which [she]_{468-my lady} had groveled . [Her]_{468-my lady} golden hair fell in loose , disheveled masses about [her]_{468-my lady} ivory throat and shoulders , [her]_{468-my lady} face and lips were colorless , [her]_{468-my lady} eyes terrible in their unnatural light . " Take [me]_{468-my lady} away , "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} said , " and let [me]_{468-my lady} sleep ! Let [me]_{468-my lady} sleep , for [my]_{468-my lady} brain is on fire ! "_{[468-my lady]} As [she]_{468-my lady} was leaving [the room]_{595-the room} with [[her]_{468-my lady} maid]_{761-her maid} , [she]_{468-my lady} turned and looked at [Robert]_173-robert . " Is [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} gone ? "_{[468-my lady]} [she]_{468-my lady} asked . " [He]_{146-sir michael} will leave in half an hour . "_{[468-my lady]} " There were no lives lost in the fire at [Mount Stanning]_{222-mount stanning} ? "_{[468-my lady]} " None . "_{[468-my lady]} " [I]_{468-my lady} am glad of that . "_{[468-my lady]} " [The landlord of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{7825-the landlord of the house} , [Marks]_166-phoebe , was very terribly burned , and lies in a precarious state at [[[his]_{7825-the landlord of the house} mother]_{533-his mother} 's cottage]_{7625-his mother 's cottage} ; but [he]_{7825-the landlord of the house} may recover . "_{[468-my lady]} " [I]_{468-my lady} am glad of that — [I]_{468-my lady} am glad no life was lost . Good - night , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . "_{[468-my lady]} " [I]_{468-my lady} shall ask to see [you]_{468-my lady} for half an hour 's conversation in the course of to - morrow , [[my]_{468-my lady} lady]_{468-my lady} . "_{[468-my lady]} " Whenever [you]_{468-my lady} please . Good night . "_{[468-my lady]} " Good night . "_{[468-my lady]} [She]_{468-my lady} went away quietly leaning upon [[her]_{468-my lady} maid]_{761-her maid} 's shoulder , and leaving [Robert]_173-robert with a sense of strange bewilderment that was very painful to [him]_173-robert . [He]_173-robert sat down by the broad hearth upon which the red embers were fading , and wondered at the change in [that old house]_{4118-that old house} which , until the day of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} 's disappearance , had been so pleasant [a home for all who sheltered beneath [its]_{4118-that old house} hospitable roof]_{4120-a home for all who sheltered beneath its hospitable roof} . [He]_173-robert sat brooding over the desolate hearth , and trying to decide upon what must be done in this sudden crisis . [He]_173-robert sat helpless and powerless to determine upon any course of action , lost in a dull revery , from which [he]_173-robert was aroused by the sound of carriage - wheels driving up to the little turret entrance . The clock in [the vestibule]_{3508-the vestibule} struck nine as [Robert]_173-robert opened [the library]_{5301-the library} door . [Alicia]_149-alicia had just descended the stairs with [[her]_149-alicia maid]_{761-her maid} ; [a rosy - faced country girl]_{4124-a rosy - faced country girl} . " Good - by , [Robert]_173-robert , "_[149-alicia] said [Miss Audley]_149-alicia , holding out [her]_149-alicia hand to [[her]_149-alicia cousin]_{790-her cousin} ; " good - by , and God bless [you]_{790-her cousin} ! [You]_{790-her cousin} may trust [me]_149-alicia to take care of [papa]_1002-papa . "_[149-alicia] " [I]_149-alicia am sure [I]_149-alicia may . God bless [you]_{790-her cousin} , [[my]_149-alicia dear]_{4626-my dear} . "_[149-alicia] For the second time that night [Robert Audley]_173-robert pressed [his]_173-robert lips to [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} 's candid forehead , and for the second time the embrace was of a brotherly or paternal character , rather than the rapturous proceeding which it would have been had [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} been [the privileged performer]_{4127-the privileged performer} . It was five minutes past nine when [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} came down - [stairs]_5306-stairs , followed by [[his]_{146-sir michael} valet]_{4037-his valet} , grave and gray - haired like [himself]_{146-sir michael} . [The baronet]_{465-the baronet} was pale , but calm and self - possessed . The hand which [he]_{465-the baronet} gave to [[his]_{465-the baronet} nephew]_{5177-his nephew} was as cold as ice , but it was with a steady voice that [he]_{465-the baronet} bade [the young man]_{667-the young man} good - by . " [I]_{465-the baronet} leave all in [your]_{667-the young man} hands , [Robert]_173-robert , "_{[465-the baronet]} [he]_{465-the baronet} said , as [he]_{465-the baronet} turned to leave [the house in which [he]_{465-the baronet} had lived so long]_{4133-the house in which he had lived so long} . " [I]_{465-the baronet} may not have heard the end , but [I]_{465-the baronet} have heard enough . Heaven knows [I]_{465-the baronet} have no need to hear more . [I]_{465-the baronet} leave all to [you]_{667-the young man} , but [you]_{667-the young man} will not be cruel — [you]_{667-the young man} will remember how much [I]_{465-the baronet} loved — "_{[465-the baronet]} [His]_{465-the baronet} voice broke huskily before [he]_{465-the baronet} could finish the sentence . " [I]_{667-the young man} will remember [you]_173-robert in everything , [sir]_900-sir , "_{[667-the young man]} [the young man]_{667-the young man} answered . " [I]_{667-the young man} will do everything for the best . "_{[667-the young man]} A treacherous mist of tears blinded [him]_{667-the young man} and shut out [[his]_{667-the young man} uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's face , and in another minute [the carriage]_{5171-the carriage} had driven away , and [Robert Audley]_173-robert sat alone in [the dark library]_{4137-the dark library} , where only one red spark glowed among the pale gray ashes . [He]_173-robert sat alone , trying to think what [he]_173-robert ought to do , and with the awful responsibility of [a wicked woman]_{3110-a wicked woman} 's fate upon [his]_173-robert shoulders . " Good Heaven ! "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought ; " surely this must be [God]_164-god 's judgment upon the purposeless , vacillating life [I]_173-robert led up to the seventh day of last September . Surely this awful responsibility has been forced upon [me]_173-robert in order that [I]_173-robert may humble [myself]_173-robert to an offended Providence , and confess that [a man]_{445-a man} can not choose [his]_{445-a man} own life . [He]_{445-a man} can not say , ' [I]_173-robert will take existence lightly , and keep out of the way of [the wretched , mistaken , energetic creatures , who fight so heartily in the great battle]_{7834-the wretched , mistaken , energetic creatures , who fight so heartily in the great battle} . ' [He]_{445-a man} can not say , ' [I]_173-robert will stop in [the tents]_{7835-the tents} while the strife is fought , and laugh at [the fools who are trampled down in the useless struggle]_{7836-the fools who are trampled down in the useless struggle} . ' [He]_{445-a man} can not do this . [He]_{445-a man} can only do , humbly and fearfully , that which [the Maker who created]_{7837-the maker who created} [him]_{445-a man} has appointed for [him]_{445-a man} to do . If [he]_{445-a man} has a battle to fight , let [him]_{445-a man} fight it faithfully ; but woe betide [him]_{445-a man} if [he]_{445-a man} skulks when [his]_{445-a man} name is called in the mighty muster - roll , woe betide [him]_{445-a man} if [he]_{445-a man} hides in [the tents]_{7835-the tents} when [the tocsin]_{7839-the tocsin} summons [him]_{445-a man} to the scene of war ! "_[173-robert] [One of [the servants]_{545-the servants}]_{7438-one of the servants} brought candles into [the library]_{5301-the library} and relighted the fire , but [Robert Audley]_173-robert did not stir from [his]_173-robert seat by the hearth . [He]_173-robert sat as [he]_173-robert had often sat in [[his]_173-robert chambers in [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court}]_{4142-his chambers in figtree court} , with [his]_173-robert elbows resting upon the arms of [his]_173-robert chair , and [his]_173-robert chin upon [his]_173-robert hand . But [he]_173-robert lifted [his]_173-robert head as [the servant]_{1203-the servant} was about to leave [the room]_{595-the room} . " Can [I]_173-robert send a message from here to [London]_3-london ? "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert asked . " It can be sent from [Brentwood]_65-brentwood , [sir]_900-sir — not from here . "_[173-robert] [Mr. Audley]_173-robert looked at [his]_173-robert watch thoughtfully . " [One of [the men]_{4718-the men}]_{4717-one of the men} can ride over to [Brentwood]_65-brentwood , [sir]_900-sir , if [you]_900-sir wish any message to be sent . "_[173-robert] " [I]_173-robert do wish to send a message ; will [you]_900-sir manage it for [me]_173-robert , [Richards]_340-richards ? "_[173-robert] " Certainly , [sir]_900-sir . "_[173-robert] " [You]_900-sir can wait , then , while [I]_173-robert write the message . "_[173-robert] " Yes , [sir]_900-sir . "_{[634-the man]} [The man]_{634-the man} brought writing materials from one of the side - tables , and placed them before [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . [Robert]_173-robert dipped a pen in the ink , and stared thoughtfully at one of the candles for a few moments before [he]_173-robert began to write . The message ran thus : " From [Robert Audley]_173-robert , of [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} , [Essex]_2-essex , to [Francis Wilmington]_{341-francis wilmington} , of [Paper - buildings]_{7846-paper - buildings} , [Temple]_121-temple . "_{[342-dear wilmington]} [DEAR WILMINGTON]_{342-dear wilmington} — If [you]_{342-dear wilmington} know [any physician experienced in cases of mania]_{4146-any physician experienced in cases of mania} , and to be trusted with a secret , be so good as to send [me]_0-i [his]_{4146-any physician experienced in cases of mania} address by telegraph . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert sealed this document in a stout envelope , and handed it to [the man]_{634-the man} , with a sovereign . "_[4147-you] [You]_4147-you will see that this is given to [a trustworthy person]_{4148-a trustworthy person} , [Richards]_340-richards , " [he]_173-robert said , "_{[340-richards]} and let [the man]_{634-the man} wait at [the station]_{1271-the station} for the return message . [He]_{634-the man} ought to get it in an hour and a half . " [Mr. Richards]_340-richards , who had known [Robert Audley]_173-robert in jackets and turn - down collars , departed to execute [his]_340-richards commission . Heaven forbid that [we]_7848-we should follow [him]_173-robert into [the comfortable [servants]_{7304-servants} ' hall]_{7849-the comfortable servants ' hall} at [the Court]_{373-the court} , where [the household]_{3814-the household} sat round the blazing fire , discussing in utter bewilderment the events of the day . Nothing could be wider from the truth than the speculations of [these worthy people]_{7853-these worthy people} . What clew had [they]_{7853-these worthy people} to the mystery of [that firelit room in which [a guilty woman]_{7855-a guilty woman} had knelt at [[their]_{7853-these worthy people} master]_{5369-their master} 's feet to tell the story of [her]_{7855-a guilty woman} sinful life]_{7854-that firelit room in which a guilty woman had knelt at their master 's feet to tell the story of her sinful life} ? [They]_{7853-these worthy people} only knew that which [[Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's valet]_{7857-sir michael 's valet} had told [them]_{7853-these worthy people} of this sudden journey . How [[his]_{146-sir michael} master]_{2445-his master} was as pale as a sheet , and spoke in a strange voice that did n't sound like [his]_{2445-his master} own , somehow , and how [you]_7859-you might have knocked [him]_{2445-his master} — [Mr. Parsons]_{343-mr. parsons} , [the valet]_{7860-the valet} — down with a feather , if [you]_7859-you had been minded to prostrate [him]_{2445-his master} by the aid of so feeble a weapon . [[The wiseheads of the servants]_{7861-the wiseheads of the servants} ' hall]_{7862-the wiseheads of the servants ' hall} decided that [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} had received sudden intelligence through [Mr. Robert]_173-robert — [they]_{7862-the wiseheads of the servants ' hall} were wise enough to connect [the young man]_{667-the young man} with the catastrophe — either of the death of [some near and dear relation]_{7864-some near and dear relation} — [the elder servants]_{7865-the elder servants} decimated [the Audley family]_{7866-the audley family} in [their]_{7865-the elder servants} endeavors to find a likely relation — or of some alarming fall in the funds , or of the failure of some speculation or bank in which the greater part of [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's money was invested . The general leaning was toward the failure of a bank , and [every member of the assembly]_{7868-every member of the assembly} seemed to take a dismal and raven - like delight in the fancy , though such a supposition involved [their]_{7868-every member of the assembly} own ruin in the general destruction of [that liberal household]_{7869-that liberal household} . [Robert]_173-robert sat by the dreary hearth , which seemed dreary even now when the blaze of a great wood - fire roared in the wide chimney , and listened to the low wail of the March wind moaning round [the house]_{388-the house} and lifting the shivering ivy from the walls [it]_{388-the house} sheltered . [He]_173-robert was tired and worn out , for remember that [he]_173-robert had been awakened from [his]_173-robert sleep at two o'clock that morning by the hot breath of blazing timber and the sharp crackling of burning woodwork . But for [his]_173-robert presence of mind and cool decision , [Mr. Luke Marks]_167-luke would have died a dreadful death . [He]_173-robert still bore the traces of the night 's peril , for the dark hair had been singed upon one side of [his]_173-robert forehead , and [his]_173-robert left hand was red and inflamed , from the effect of the scorching atmosphere out of which [he]_173-robert had dragged [the landlord of [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn}]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} . [He]_173-robert was thoroughly exhausted with fatigue and excitement , and [he]_173-robert fell into a heavy sleep in [his]_173-robert easy - chair before the bright fire , from which [he]_173-robert was only awakened by the entrance of [Mr. Richards]_340-richards with the return message . This return message was very brief . "_{[634-the man]} [DEAR AUDLEY]_{344-dear audley} — Always glad to oblige . [Alwyn Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} , M.D. , 12 [Saville Row]_{122-saville row} . Safe . " This with names and addresses , was all that it contained . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i shall want another message taken to [Brentwood]_65-brentwood to - morrow morning , [Richards]_340-richards , " said [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , as [he]_0-i folded the telegram . "_{[340-richards]} [I]_0-i should be glad if [the man]_{634-the man} would ride over with [it]_4152-it before breakfast . [He]_{634-the man} shall have half a sovereign for [his]_{634-the man} trouble . " [Mr. Richards]_340-richards bowed . "_{[634-the man]} Thank [you]_0-i , [sir]_900-sir — not necessary , [sir]_900-sir ; but as [you]_0-i please , of course , [sir]_900-sir , " [he]_0-i murmured . "_[0-i] At what hour might [you]_0-i wish [the man]_{634-the man} to go ? " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert might wish [the man]_{634-the man} to go as early as [he]_{634-the man} could , so it was decided that [he]_{634-the man} should go at six . "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i room]_{6080-my room} is ready , [I]_0-i suppose , [Richards]_340-richards ? " said [Robert]_173-robert . "_[900-sir] Yes , [sir]_900-sir — [[your]_340-richards old room]_{4159-your old room} . " "_[900-sir] Very good . [I]_0-i shall go to bed at once . Bring [me]_0-i a glass of brandy and water as hot as [you]_0-i can make it , and wait for the telegram . " This second message was only a very earnest request to [Doctor Mosgrave]_{346-doctor mosgrave} to pay an immediate visit to [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} on a matter of serious moment . Having written this message , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert felt that [he]_173-robert had done all that [he]_173-robert could do . [He]_173-robert drank [his]_173-robert brandy and water . [He]_173-robert had actual need of the diluted alcohol , for [he]_173-robert had been chilled to the bone by [his]_173-robert adventures during the fire . [He]_173-robert slowly sipped the pale golden liquid and thought of [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , of [that earnest girl whose [brother]_7800-brother 's memory was now avenged , whose [brother]_7800-brother]_{7874-that earnest girl whose brother 's memory was now avenged , whose brother} 's destroyer was humiliated in the dust . Had [she]_{256-clara talboys} heard of the fire at [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn} ? How could [she]_{256-clara talboys} have done otherwise than hear of it in [such a place as [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning}]_{7877-such a place as mount stanning} ? But had [she]_{256-clara talboys} heard that [he]_173-robert had been in danger , and that [he]_173-robert had distinguished [himself]_173-robert by the rescue of [a drunken boor]_{7878-a drunken boor} ? [I]_0-i fear that , even sitting by that desolate hearth , and beneath the roof whose noble was an exile from [[his]_173-robert own house]_{2356-his own house} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert was weak enough to think of these things — weak enough to let [his]_173-robert fancy wander away to the dismal fir - trees under the cold March sky , and the dark - brown eyes that were so like the eyes of [[his]_173-robert lost friend]_{2029-his lost friend} . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} slept . Through that long winter night [she]_{468-my lady} slept soundly . [Criminals]_{7882-criminals} have often so slept [their]_{7882-criminals} last sleep upon earth ; and have been found in the gray morning slumbering peacefully , by [the jailer who came to wake [them]_{7882-criminals}]_{7883-the jailer who came to wake them} . The game had been played and lost . [I]_0-i do not think that [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} had thrown away a card , or missed the making of a trick which [she]_{468-my lady} might by any possibility have made ; but [[her]_{468-my lady} opponent]_{7885-her opponent} 's hand had been too powerful for [her]_{468-my lady} , and [he]_{7885-her opponent} had won . [She]_{468-my lady} looked upon [herself]_{468-my lady} as a species of [state prisoner , who would have to be taken good care of]_{7886-state prisoner , who would have to be taken good care of} . A second Iron Mask , who must be provided for in some comfortable place of confinement . [She]_{468-my lady} abandoned [herself]_{468-my lady} to a dull indifference . [She]_{468-my lady} had lived a hundred lives within the space of the last few days of [her]_{468-my lady} existence , and [she]_{468-my lady} had worn out [her]_{468-my lady} capacity for suffering — for a time at least . [She]_{468-my lady} ate [her]_{468-my lady} breakfast , and took [her]_{468-my lady} morning bath , and emerged , with perfumed hair and in the most exquisitely careless of morning toilets , from [[her]_{468-my lady} luxurious dressing - room]_{5125-her luxurious dressing - room} . [She]_{468-my lady} looked at [herself]_{468-my lady} in the cheval - glass before [she]_{468-my lady} left [the room]_{595-the room} . A long night 's rest had brought back the delicate rose - tints of [her]_{468-my lady} complexion , and the natural luster of [her]_{468-my lady} blue eyes . That unnatural light which had burned so fearfully the day before had gone , and [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} smiled triumphantly as [she]_{468-my lady} contemplated the reflection of [her]_{468-my lady} beauty . The days were gone in which [[her]_{468-my lady} enemies]_{7207-her enemies} could have branded [her]_{468-my lady} with white - hot irons , and burned away the loveliness which had done such mischief . Whatever [they]_{7207-her enemies} did to [her]_{468-my lady} [they]_{7207-her enemies} must leave [her]_{468-my lady} [her]_{468-my lady} beauty , [she]_{468-my lady} thought . At the worst , [they]_{7207-her enemies} were powerless to rob [her]_{468-my lady} of that . The March day was bright and sunny , with a cheerless sunshine certainly . [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} wrapped [herself]_{468-my lady} in an Indian shawl ; a shawl that had cost [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} a hundred guineas . [I]_0-i think [she]_{468-my lady} had an idea that it would be well to wear this costly garment ; so that if hustled suddenly away , [she]_{468-my lady} might carry at least one of [her]_{468-my lady} possessions with [her]_{468-my lady} . Remember how much [she]_{468-my lady} had periled for [a fine house]_{7892-a fine house} and gorgeous furniture , for [carriages]_{3827-carriages} and horses , jewels and laces ; and do not wonder if [she]_{468-my lady} clings with a desperate tenacity to gauds and gew - gaws , in the hour of [her]_{468-my lady} despair . If [she]_{468-my lady} had been [Judas]_347-judas , [she]_{468-my lady} would have held to [her]_{468-my lady} thirty pieces of silver to the last moment of [her]_{468-my lady} shameful life . [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert breakfasted in [the library]_{5301-the library} . [He]_173-robert sat long over [his]_173-robert solitary cup of tea , smoking [his]_173-robert meerschaum pipe , and meditating darkly upon the task that lay before [him]_173-robert . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will appeal to the experience of [this Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} , " [he]_173-robert though ; "_{[345-dr. mosgrave]} [physicians]_{4160-physicians} and [lawyers]_6428-lawyers are [the confessors of this prosaic nineteenth century]_{4162-the confessors of this prosaic nineteenth century} . Surely , [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} will be able to help [me]_0-i . " [The first fast train]_{7895-the first fast train} from [London]_3-london arrived at [Audley]_173-robert at half - past ten o'clock , and at five minutes before eleven , [Richards]_340-richards , [the grave servant]_{7896-the grave servant} , announced [Dr. Alwyn Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} . [The physician from [Saville Row]_{122-saville row}]_{7897-the physician from saville row} was [a tall man of about fifty years of age]_{7898-a tall man of about fifty years of age} . [He]_{7897-the physician from saville row} was thin and sallow , with lantern jaws , and eyes of a pale , feeble gray , that seemed as if they had once been blue , and had faded by the progress of time to their present neutral shade . However powerful the science of medicine as wielded by [Dr. Alwyn Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} , it had not been strong enough to put flesh upon [his]_{7897-the physician from saville row} bones , or brightness into [his]_{7897-the physician from saville row} face . [He]_{7897-the physician from saville row} had a strangely expressionless , and yet strangely attentive countenance . [He]_{7897-the physician from saville row} had the face of [a man who had spent the greater part of [his]_{7897-the physician from saville row} life in listening to [other people]_{1822-other people} , and who had parted with [his]_{7897-the physician from saville row} own individuality and [his]_{7897-the physician from saville row} own passions at the very outset of [his]_{7897-the physician from saville row} career]_{7899-a man who had spent the greater part of his life in listening to other people , and who had parted with his own individuality and his own passions at the very outset of his career} . [He]_{7897-the physician from saville row} bowed to [Robert Audley]_173-robert , took the opposite seat indicated by [him]_{7897-the physician from saville row} , and addressed [his]_{7897-the physician from saville row} attentive face to [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} . [Robert]_173-robert saw that [the physician]_{3070-the physician} 's glance for a moment lost its quiet look of attention , and became earnest and searching . "_[4163-he] [He]_4163-he is wondering whether [I]_0-i am [the patient]_{6552-the patient} , " thought [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , "_{[6552-the patient]} and is looking for the diagnoses of madness in [my]_0-i face . " [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} spoke as if in answer to this thought . "_[4163-he] Is it not about [your]_0-i own — health — that [you]_0-i wish to consult [me]_0-i ? " [he]_0-i said , interrogatively . "_[0-i] Oh , no ! " [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} looked at [his]_{345-dr. mosgrave} watch , a fifty - guinea Benson - made chronometer , which [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} carried loose in [his]_{345-dr. mosgrave} waistcoat pocket as carelessly as if it had been a potato . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i need not remind [you]_0-i that [my]_0-i time is precious , " [he]_0-i said ; "_[0-i] [your]_0-i telegram informed [me]_0-i that [my]_0-i services were required in a case of — danger — as [I]_0-i apprehend , or [I]_0-i should not be here this morning . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert had sat looking gloomily at the fire , wondering how [he]_173-robert should begin the conversation , and had needed this reminder of [the physician]_{3070-the physician} 's presence . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i are very good , [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} , " [he]_0-i said , rousing [himself]_0-i by an effort , "_{[345-dr. mosgrave]} and [I]_0-i thank [you]_0-i very much for having responded to [my]_0-i summons . [I]_0-i am about to appeal to [you]_0-i upon a subject which is more painful to [me]_0-i than words can describe . [I]_0-i am about to implore [your]_0-i advice in a most difficult case , and [I]_0-i trust almost blindly to [your]_0-i experience to rescue [me]_0-i , and [others who are very dear to [me]_0-i]_{4165-others who are very dear to me} , from a cruel and complicated position . " The business - like attention in [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} 's face grew into a look of interest as [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} listened to [Robert Audley]_173-robert . "_{[3070-the physician]} The revelation made by [the patient]_{6552-the patient} to [the physician]_{3070-the physician} is , [I]_0-i believe , as sacred as the confession of [a penitent to [[his]_{4168-a penitent to his priest} priest]_{4169-his priest}]_{4168-a penitent to his priest} ? " [Robert]_173-robert asked , gravely . "_[0-i] Quite as sacred . " "_[0-i] A solemn confidence , to be violated under no circumstances ? " "_[0-i] Most certainly . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert looked at the fire again . How much should [he]_173-robert tell , or how little , of the dark history of [[his]_173-robert uncle 's second wife]_{7904-his uncle 's second wife} ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have been given to understand , [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} , that [you]_{345-dr. mosgrave} have devoted much of [your]_{345-dr. mosgrave} attention to the treatment of insanity . " "_{[345-dr. mosgrave]} Yes , [my]_0-i practice is almost confined to the treatment of mental diseases . " "_[0-i] Such being the case , [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i may venture to conclude that [you]_{345-dr. mosgrave} sometimes receive strange , and even terrible , revelations . " [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} bowed . [He]_{345-dr. mosgrave} looked like [a man who could have carried , safely locked in [his]_{345-dr. mosgrave} passionless breast , the secrets of [a nation , and who would have suffered no inconvenience from the weight of such a burden]_{7906-a nation , and who would have suffered no inconvenience from the weight of such a burden}]_{7905-a man who could have carried , safely locked in his passionless breast , the secrets of a nation , and who would have suffered no inconvenience from the weight of such a burden} . "_{[345-dr. mosgrave]} The story which [I]_0-i am about to tell [you]_{345-dr. mosgrave} is not [my]_0-i own story , " said [Robert]_173-robert , after a pause ; "_{[345-dr. mosgrave]} [you]_{345-dr. mosgrave} will forgive [me]_0-i , therefore , if [I]_0-i once more remind [you]_{345-dr. mosgrave} that [I]_0-i can only reveal it upon the understanding that under no circumstances , or upon no apparent justification , is that confidence to be betrayed . " [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} bowed again . A little sternly , perhaps , this time . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i am all attention , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [he]_0-i said coldly . [Robert Audley]_173-robert drew [his]_173-robert chair nearer to that of [the physician]_{3070-the physician} , and in a low voice began the story which [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} had told upon [her]_{468-my lady} knees in [that same chamber]_{7909-that same chamber} upon the previous night . [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} 's listening face , turned always toward [the speaker]_{4906-the speaker} , betrayed no surprise at that strange revelation . [He]_{345-dr. mosgrave} smiled once , a grave , quiet smile , when [Mr. Audley]_173-robert came to that part of the story which told of the conspiracy at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor ; but [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} was not surprised . [Robert Audley]_173-robert ended [his]_173-robert story at the point at which [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} had interrupted [[my]_173-robert lady]_{468-my lady} 's confession . [He]_173-robert told nothing of the disappearance of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , nor of the horrible suspicions that had grown out of that disappearance . [He]_173-robert told nothing of the fire at [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn} . [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} shook [his]_{345-dr. mosgrave} head , gravely , when [Mr. Audley]_173-robert came to the end of [his]_173-robert story . "_[173-robert] [You]_4170-you have nothing further to tell [me]_0-i ? " [he]_0-i said . "_[4170-you] No . [I]_0-i do not think there is anything more that need be told , " [Robert]_173-robert answered , rather evasively . "_[0-i] [You]_4170-you would wish to prove that [this lady]_{2399-this lady} is mad , and therefore irresponsible for [her]_{2399-this lady} actions , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ? " said [the physician]_{3070-the physician} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert stared , wondering at [the mad doctor]_{7913-the mad doctor} . By what process had [he]_0-i so rapidly arrived at [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's secret desire ? "_[4170-you] Yes , [I]_0-i would rather , if possible , think [her]_{2399-this lady} mad ; [I]_0-i should be glad to find that excuse for [her]_{2399-this lady} . " "_[0-i] And to save the esclandre of a Chancery suit , [I]_0-i suppose , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " said [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} . [Robert]_173-robert shuddered as [he]_173-robert bowed an assent to this remark . It was something worse than a Chancery suit that [he]_173-robert dreaded with a horrible fear . It was a trial for murder that had so long haunted [his]_173-robert dreams . How often [he]_173-robert had awoke , in an agony of shame , from a vision of [a crowded court - house]_{7915-a crowded court - house} , and [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's wife in [a criminal dock]_{3180-a criminal dock}]_{7917-his uncle 's wife in a criminal dock} , hemmed in on every side by a sea of eager faces . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i fear that [I]_0-i shall not be of any use to [you]_173-robert , " [the physician]_{3070-the physician} said , quietly ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will see [the lady]_{673-the lady} , if [you]_173-robert please , but [I]_0-i do not believe that [she]_{673-the lady} is mad . " "_{[673-the lady]} Why not ? " "_{[673-the lady]} Because there is no evidence of madness in anything [she]_{673-the lady} has done . [She]_{673-the lady} ran away from [[her]_{673-the lady} home]_{3168-her home} , because [[her]_{673-the lady} home]_{3168-her home} was not a pleasant one , and [she]_{673-the lady} left in the hope of finding a better . There is no madness in that . [She]_{673-the lady} committed the crime of bigamy , because by that crime [she]_{673-the lady} obtained fortune and position . There is no madness there . When [she]_{673-the lady} found [herself]_{673-the lady} in a desperate position , [she]_{673-the lady} did not grow desperate . [She]_{673-the lady} employed intelligent means , and [she]_{673-the lady} carried out a conspiracy which required coolness and deliberation in its execution . There is no madness in that . " "_{[7130-mother]} But the traits of hereditary insanity — " "_{[7130-mother]} May descend to [the third generation]_{4175-the third generation} , and appear in [[the lady]_{673-the lady} 's children]_{4177-the lady 's children} , if [she]_{673-the lady} have any . Madness is not necessarily transmitted from [mother]_7130-mother to [daughter]_{1473-daughter} . [I]_0-i should be glad to help [you]_4180-you , if [I]_0-i could , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , but [I]_0-i do not think there is any proof of insanity in the story [you]_4180-you have told [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i do not think [any jury in [England]_7-england]_{4181-any jury in england} would accept the plea of insanity in such a case as this . The best thing [you]_4180-you can do with [this lady]_{2399-this lady} is to send [her]_{2399-this lady} back to [[her]_{2399-this lady} first husband]_{4183-her first husband} ; if [he]_{4183-her first husband} will have [her]_{2399-this lady} . " [Robert]_173-robert started at this sudden mention of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} . "_{[2399-this lady]} [[Her]_{2399-this lady} first husband]_{4183-her first husband} is dead , " [he]_173-robert answered , "_{[2399-this lady]} at least , [he]_{4183-her first husband} has been missing for some time — and [I]_0-i have reason to believe that [he]_{4183-her first husband} is dead . " [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} saw the startled movement , and heard the embarrassment in [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's voice as [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} spoke of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} . "_[0-i] [[The lady]_{673-the lady} 's first husband]_{4186-the lady 's first husband} is missing , " [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} said , with a strange emphasis on the word—"you_[0-i] think that [he]_{4183-her first husband} is dead ? " [He]_{345-dr. mosgrave} paused for a few moments and looked at the fire , as [Robert]_173-robert had looked before . "_[173-robert] [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} said , presently , "_[173-robert] there must be no half - confidences between [us]_4187-us . [You]_173-robert have not told [me]_0-i all . " [Robert]_173-robert , looking up suddenly , plainly expressed in [his]_173-robert face the surprise [he]_173-robert felt at these words . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i should be very poorly able to meet the contingencies of [my]_0-i professional experience , " said [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} , "_[173-robert] if [I]_0-i could not perceive where confidence ends and reservation begins . [You]_173-robert have only told [me]_0-i half [this lady]_{2399-this lady} 's story , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . [You]_173-robert must tell [me]_0-i more before [I]_0-i can offer [you]_173-robert any advice . What has become of [the first husband]_{4189-the first husband} ? " [He]_0-i asked this question in a decisive tone , as if [he]_0-i knew it to be the key - stone of an arch . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have already told [you]_0-i , [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} , that [I]_0-i do not know . " "_[0-i] Yes , " answered [the physician]_{3070-the physician} , "_[0-i] but [your]_173-robert face has told [me]_0-i what [you]_173-robert have withheld from [me]_0-i ; it has told [me]_0-i that [you]_173-robert suspect . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert was silent . "_[173-robert] If [I]_0-i am to be of use to [you]_173-robert , [you]_173-robert must trust [me]_0-i , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " said [the physician]_{3070-the physician} . "_[0-i] [The first husband]_{4189-the first husband} disappeared — how and when ? [I]_0-i want to know the history of [his]_{4189-the first husband} disappearance . " [Robert]_173-robert paused for some time before [he]_173-robert replied to this speech ; but , by and by , [he]_173-robert lifted [his]_173-robert head , which had been bent in an attitude of earnest thought , and addressed [the physician]_{3070-the physician} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will trust [you]_173-robert , [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} , " [he]_0-i said . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i will confide entirely in [your]_173-robert honor and goodness . [I]_0-i do not ask [you]_173-robert to do any wrong to society ; but [I]_0-i ask [you]_173-robert to save [our]_4191-our stainless name from degradation and shame , if [you]_173-robert can do so conscientiously . " [He]_0-i told the story of [George]_{181-george talboys} 's disappearance , and of [his]_0-i own doubts and fears , Heaven knows how reluctantly . [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} listened as quietly as [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} had listened before . [Robert]_173-robert concluded with an earnest appeal to [the physician]_{3070-the physician} 's best feelings . [He]_173-robert implored [him]_{3070-the physician} to spare [the generous old man whose fatal confidence in [a wicked woman]_{3110-a wicked woman} had brought much misery upon [his]_0-i declining years]_{7925-the generous old man whose fatal confidence in a wicked woman had brought much misery upon his declining years} . It was impossible to draw any conclusion , either favorable or otherwise , from [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} 's attentive face . [He]_0-i rose , when [Robert]_173-robert had finished speaking , and looked at [his]_0-i watch once more . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i can only spare [you]_173-robert twenty minutes , " [he]_0-i said . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will see [the lady]_{673-the lady} , if [you]_173-robert please . [You]_173-robert say [[her]_{673-the lady} mother]_{891-her mother} died in [a madhouse]_{7675-a madhouse} ? " "_{[673-the lady]} [She]_{673-the lady} did . Will [you]_173-robert see [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} alone ? " "_[173-robert] Yes , alone , if [you]_173-robert please . " [Robert]_173-robert rung for [[my]_173-robert lady 's maid]_{7927-my lady 's maid} , and under convoy of [that smart young damsel]_{7928-that smart young damsel} [the physician]_{3070-the physician} found [his]_{3070-the physician} way to the octagon antechamber , and the fairy boudoir with which it communicated . Ten minutes afterward , [he]_{3070-the physician} returned to [the library]_{5301-the library} , in which [Robert]_173-robert sat waiting for [him]_{3070-the physician} . "_[173-robert] [I]_0-i have talked to [the lady]_{673-the lady} , " [he]_0-i said , quietly , "_[0-i] and [we]_4196-we understand [each other]_{4890-each other} very well . There is latent insanity ! Insanity which might never appear ; or which might appear only once or twice in a lifetime . [It]_4198-it would be a dementia in its worst phase , perhaps ; acute mania ; but its duration would be very brief , and it would only arise under extreme mental pressure . [The lady]_{673-the lady} is not mad ; but [she]_{673-the lady} has the hereditary taint in [her]_{673-the lady} blood . [She]_{673-the lady} has the cunning of madness , with the prudence of intelligence . [I]_0-i will tell [you]_0-i what [she]_{673-the lady} is , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . [She]_{673-the lady} is dangerous ! " [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} walked up and down [the room]_{595-the room} once or twice before [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} spoke again . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will not discuss the probabilities of the suspicion which distresses [you]_0-i , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} said , presently , "_[173-robert] but [I]_0-i will tell [you]_0-i this much , [I]_0-i do not advise any esclandre . [This Mr. George Talboys]_157-george has disappeared , but [you]_0-i have no evidence of [his]_157-george death . If [you]_0-i could produce evidence of [his]_157-george death , [you]_0-i could produce no evidence against [this lady]_{2399-this lady} , beyond the one fact that [she]_{2399-this lady} had a powerful motive for getting rid of [him]_157-george . [No jury in [the United Kingdom]_{123-the united kingdom}]_{4201-no jury in the united kingdom} would condemn [her]_{2399-this lady} upon such evidence as that . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert interrupted [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} , hastily . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i assure [you]_0-i , [[my]_0-i dear sir]_{929-my dear sir} , " [he]_0-i said , "_[0-i] that [my]_0-i greatest fear is the necessity of any exposure — any disgrace . " "_[0-i] Certainly , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " answered [the physician]_{3070-the physician} , coolly , "_[0-i] but [you]_173-robert can not expect [me]_0-i to assist [you]_173-robert to condone one of the worst offenses against society . If [I]_0-i saw adequate reason for believing that a murder had been committed by [this woman]_{557-this woman} , [I]_0-i should refuse to assist [you]_173-robert in smuggling [her]_{557-this woman} away out of the reach of justice , although the honor of [a hundred noble families]_{4204-a hundred noble families} might be saved by [my]_0-i doing so . But [I]_0-i do not see adequate reason for [your]_173-robert suspicions ; and [I]_0-i will do [my]_0-i best to help [you]_173-robert . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert grasped [the physician]_{3070-the physician} 's hands in both [his]_173-robert own . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will thank [you]_173-robert when [I]_0-i am better able to do so , " [he]_0-i said , with emotion ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will thank [you]_173-robert in [[my]_0-i uncle]_{991-my uncle} 's name as well as in [my]_0-i own . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have only five minutes more , and [I]_0-i have a letter to write , " said [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} , smiling at [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's energy . [He]_0-i seated [himself]_0-i at a writing - table in the window , dipped [his]_0-i pen in the ink , and wrote rapidly for about seven minutes . [He]_0-i had filled three sides of a sheet of note - paper , when [he]_0-i threw down [his]_0-i pen and folded [his]_0-i letter . [He]_0-i put this letter into an envelope , and delivered it , unsealed , to [Robert Audley]_173-robert . The address which it bore was : "_[0-i] [Monsieur Val]_{348-monsieur val} , " [Villebrumeuse]_{124-villebrumeuse} , "_{[348-monsieur val]} [Belgium]_125-belgium . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert looked rather doubtfully from this address to [the doctor]_{7600-the doctor} , who was putting on [his]_0-i gloves as deliberately as if [his]_0-i life had never known a more solemn purpose than the proper adjustment of them . "_{[348-monsieur val]} That letter , " [he]_0-i said , in answer to [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's inquiring look , "_{[348-monsieur val]} is written to [[my]_0-i friend]_{836-my friend} [Monsieur Val]_{348-monsieur val} , [the proprietor and medical superintendent of [a very excellent maison de santé]_{4208-a very excellent maison de santé} in [the town of Villebrumeuse]_{4209-the town of villebrumeuse}]_{4207-the proprietor and medical superintendent of a very excellent maison de santé in the town of villebrumeuse} . [We]_4210-we have known [each other]_{4890-each other} for many years , and [he]_{348-monsieur val} will no doubt willingly receive [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} into [[his]_{348-monsieur val} establishment]_{2357-his establishment} , and charge [himself]_{348-monsieur val} with the full responsibility of [her]_{150-lady audley} future life ; it will not be a very eventful one ! " [Robert Audley]_173-robert would have spoken , [he]_173-robert would have once more expressed [his]_173-robert gratitude for the help which had been given to [him]_173-robert , but [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} checked [him]_173-robert with an authoritative gesture . "_{[348-monsieur val]} From the moment in which [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} enters [that house]_{6322-that house} , " [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} said , "_{[348-monsieur val]} [her]_{150-lady audley} life , so far as life is made up of action and variety , will be finished . Whatever secrets [she]_{150-lady audley} may have will be secrets forever ! Whatever crimes [she]_{150-lady audley} may have committed [she]_{150-lady audley} will be able to commit no more . If [you]_4214-you were to dig a grave for [her]_{150-lady audley} in [the nearest churchyard]_{4215-the nearest churchyard} and bury [her]_{150-lady audley} alive in [it]_{4215-the nearest churchyard} , [you]_4214-you could not more safely shut [her]_{150-lady audley} from [the world]_{519-the world} and all worldly associations . But as [a physiologist]_{4217-a physiologist} and as [an honest man]_{7714-an honest man} , [I]_0-i believe [you]_4214-you could do no better service to [society]_4219-society than by doing this ; for physiology is a lie if [the woman [I]_0-i saw]_{4220-the woman i saw} ten minutes ago is [a woman to be trusted at large]_{4221-a woman to be trusted at large} . If [she]_{4220-the woman i saw} could have sprung at [my]_0-i throat and strangled [me]_0-i with [her]_{4220-the woman i saw} little hands , as [I]_0-i sat talking to [her]_{4220-the woman i saw} just now , [she]_{4220-the woman i saw} would have done it . " "_{[4220-the woman i saw]} [She]_{4220-the woman i saw} suspected [your]_0-i purpose , then ! " "_{[4220-the woman i saw]} [She]_{4220-the woman i saw} knew it . ' [You]_0-i think [I]_0-i am mad like [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} , and [you]_0-i have come to question [me]_0-i , ' [she]_{4220-the woman i saw} said . ' [You]_0-i are watching for some sign of the dreadful taint in [my]_0-i blood . ' Good - day to [you]_0-i , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [the physician]_{3070-the physician} added hurriedly , "_[173-robert] [my]_0-i time was up ten minutes ago ; it is as much as [I]_0-i shall do to catch [the train]_{1957-the train} . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert sat alone in [the library]_{5301-the library} with [the physician]_{3070-the physician} 's letter upon the table before [him]_173-robert , thinking of the work which was still to be done . [The young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} had constituted [himself]_{5094-the young barrister} [the denouncer of [this wretched woman]_{7941-this wretched woman}]_{7940-the denouncer of this wretched woman} . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} had been [[her]_{7941-this wretched woman} judge]_{7942-her judge} ; and [he]_{5094-the young barrister} was now [[her]_{7941-this wretched woman} jailer]_{7943-her jailer} . Not until [he]_{5094-the young barrister} had delivered the letter which lay before [him]_{5094-the young barrister} to its proper address , not until [he]_{5094-the young barrister} had given up [his]_{5094-the young barrister} charge into the safe - keeping of [the foreign mad - house doctor]_{7944-the foreign mad - house doctor} , not until then would the dreadful burden be removed from [him]_{5094-the young barrister} and [his]_{5094-the young barrister} duty done . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} wrote a few lines to [[my]_{4220-the woman i saw} lady]_{468-my lady} , telling [her]_{468-my lady} that [he]_{5094-the young barrister} was going to carry [her]_{468-my lady} away from [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} to [a place from which [she]_{468-my lady} was not likely to return , and requesting [her]_{468-my lady} to lose no time in preparing for the journey]_{7946-a place from which she was not likely to return , and requesting her to lose no time in preparing for the journey} . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} wished to start that evening , if possible , [he]_{5094-the young barrister} told [her]_{468-my lady} . [Miss Susan Martin]_{349-miss susan martin} , [[the lady]_{673-the lady} 's maid]_{1504-the lady 's maid} , thought it a very hard thing to have to pack [[her]_{349-miss susan martin} mistress]_{1497-her mistress} ' trunks in such a hurry , but [[my]_{4220-the woman i saw} lady]_{468-my lady} assisted in the task . [She]_{468-my lady} toiled resolutely in directing and assisting [[her]_{468-my lady} servant]_{7951-her servant} , who scented bankruptcy and ruin in all this packing up and hurrying away , and was therefore rather languid and indifferent in the discharge of [her]_{468-my lady} duties ; and at six o'clock in the evening [she]_{468-my lady} sent [[her]_{468-my lady} attendant]_{3788-her attendant} to tell [Mr. Audley]_173-robert that [she]_{468-my lady} was ready to depart as soon as [he]_173-robert pleased . [Robert]_173-robert had consulted a volume of Bradshaw , and had discovered that [Villebrumeuse]_{124-villebrumeuse} lay out of the track of all railway traffic , and was only approachable by diligence from [Brussels]_126-brussels . The mail for [Dover]_127-dover left [London Bridge]_{128-london bridge} at nine o'clock , and could be easily caught by [Robert]_173-robert and [his]_173-robert charge , as [the seven o'clock up - train from [Audley]_{150-lady audley}]_{7953-the seven o'clock up - train from audley} reached [Shoreditch]_{70-shoreditch} at a quarter past eight . Traveling by [the [Dover]_127-dover and [Calais]_129-calais route]_{7954-the dover and calais route} , [they]_{7953-the seven o'clock up - train from audley} would reach [Villebrumeuse]_{124-villebrumeuse} by the following afternoon or evening . It was late in the afternoon of the next day when the diligence bumped and rattled over [the uneven paving of [the principal street]_{7956-the principal street} in [Villebrumeuse]_{124-villebrumeuse}]_{7955-the uneven paving of the principal street in villebrumeuse} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert and [[my]_{4220-the woman i saw} lady]_{468-my lady} had had the coupé of the diligence to [themselves]_{7953-the seven o'clock up - train from audley} for the whole of the journey , for there were not many [travelers]_{6772-travelers} between [Brussels]_126-brussels and [Villebrumeuse]_{124-villebrumeuse} , and the public conveyance was supported by the force of tradition rather than any great profit attaching to it as a speculation . [[My]_{4220-the woman i saw} lady]_{468-my lady} had not spoken during the journey , except to decline some refreshments which [Robert]_173-robert had offered [her]_{468-my lady} at [a halting place upon [the road]_{1231-the road}]_{7960-a halting place upon the road} . [Her]_{468-my lady} heart sunk when [they]_{7953-the seven o'clock up - train from audley} left [Brussels]_126-brussels behind , for [she]_{468-my lady} had hoped [that city]_{7962-that city} might have been the end of [her]_{468-my lady} journey , and [she]_{468-my lady} had turned with a feeling of sickness and despair from [the dull [Belgian]_130-belgian landscape]_{7963-the dull belgian landscape} . [She]_{468-my lady} looked up at last as [the vehicle]_{1673-the vehicle} jolted into [a great stony quadrangle]_{7965-a great stony quadrangle} , which had been the approach to [a monastery]_{7966-a monastery} once , but which was now [the court yard of [a dismal hotel]_{7968-a dismal hotel}]_{7967-the court yard of a dismal hotel} , in whose [cellars legions of rats skirmished and squeaked even while the broad sunshine was bright in the chambers above]_{7969-cellars legions of rats skirmished and squeaked even while the broad sunshine was bright in the chambers above} . [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} shuddered as [she]_{150-lady audley} alighted from the diligence , and found [herself]_{150-lady audley} in [that dreary court yard]_{7970-that dreary court yard} . [Robert]_173-robert was surrounded by [chattering porters]_{7971-chattering porters} , who clamored for [his]_173-robert "_{[4220-the woman i saw]} baggages , " and disputed among [themselves]_{7971-chattering porters} as to [the hotel at which [he]_173-robert was to rest]_{7972-the hotel at which he was to rest} . [One of [these men]_{4714-these men}]_{7973-one of these men} ran away to fetch [a hackney - coach]_{7975-a hackney - coach} at [[Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's behest]_{7976-mr. audley 's behest} , and reappeared presently , urging on a pair of horses — which were so small as to suggest the idea that [they]_{4714-these men} had been made out of one ordinary - sized animal — with wild shrieks and whoops that had a demoniac sound in the darkness . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert left [[my]_4224-my lady]_{468-my lady} in [a dreary coffee - room]_{7978-a dreary coffee - room} in the care of [a drowsy attendant]_{7979-a drowsy attendant} while [he]_173-robert drove away to [some distant part of [the quiet city]_{7981-the quiet city}]_{7980-some distant part of the quiet city} . There was official business to be gone through before [[Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's wife]_{6544-sir michael 's wife} could be quietly put away in the place suggested by [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} . [Robert]_173-robert had to see all manner of [important personages]_{7983-important personages} ; and to take numerous oaths ; and to exhibit [the English physician]_{7984-the english physician} 's letter ; and to go through much ceremony of signing and countersigning before [he]_173-robert could take [[his]_173-robert lost friend 's cruel wife]_{7985-his lost friend 's cruel wife} to [the home which was to be [her]_{7985-his lost friend 's cruel wife} last upon earth]_{7986-the home which was to be her last upon earth} . Upward of two hours elapsed before all this was arranged , and [the young man]_{667-the young man} was free to return to [the hotel]_{4975-the hotel} , where [he]_173-robert found [his]_173-robert charge staring absently at a pair of wax - candles , with a cup of untasted coffee standing cold and stagnant before [her]_{7985-his lost friend 's cruel wife} . [Robert]_173-robert handed [[my]_4224-my lady]_{468-my lady} into [the hired vehicle]_{7990-the hired vehicle} , and took [his]_173-robert seat opposite to [her]_{468-my lady} once more . "_[4224-my] Where are [you]_4224-my going to take [me]_0-i ? " [she]_{468-my lady} asked , at last . "_[4224-my] [I]_0-i am tired of being treated like [some naughty child]_{4225-some naughty child} , who is put into [a dark cellar]_{4226-a dark cellar} as a punishment for its offenses . Where are [you]_4224-my taking [me]_0-i ? " "_[4224-my] To a place in which [you]_0-i will have ample leisure to repent the past , [Mrs. Talboys]_{181-george talboys} , " [Robert]_173-robert answered , gravely . [They]_7991-they had left [the paved streets]_{7992-the paved streets} behind [them]_7991-they , and had emerged out of [a great gaunt square]_{7993-a great gaunt square} , in which there appeared to be about half [a dozen cathedrals]_{7994-a dozen cathedrals} , into [a small boulevard]_{7995-a small boulevard} , [a broad lamp - lit road]_{7996-a broad lamp - lit road} , on which the shadows of the leafless branches went and came tremblingly , like the shadows of a paralytic skeleton . There were [houses]_1329-houses here and there upon [this boulevard]_{7998-this boulevard} ; [stately houses]_{7999-stately houses} , entre cour et jardin , and with plaster vases of geraniums on the stone pillars of the ponderous gateways . [The rumbling hackney - carriage]_{8000-the rumbling hackney - carriage} drove upward of three - quarters of a mile along [this smooth roadway]_{8001-this smooth roadway} before [it]_{8000-the rumbling hackney - carriage} drew up against a gateway , older and more ponderous than any of those [they]_7991-they had passed . [[My]_{181-george talboys} lady]_{468-my lady} gave a little scream as [she]_{468-my lady} looked out of the coach - window . [The gaunt gateway]_{8003-the gaunt gateway} was lighted by an enormous lamp ; a great structure of iron and glass , in which one poor little shivering flame struggled with the March wind . [The coachman]_{8004-the coachman} rang the bell , and a little wooden door at the side of the gate was opened by [a gray - haired man , who looked out at [the carriage]_{5171-the carriage} , and then retired]_{8005-a gray - haired man , who looked out at the carriage , and then retired} . [He]_{8004-the coachman} reappeared three minutes afterward behind the folding iron gates , which [he]_{8004-the coachman} unlocked and threw back to their full extent , revealing [a dreary desert of stone - paved courtyard]_{8007-a dreary desert of stone - paved courtyard} . [The coachman]_{8004-the coachman} led [his]_{8004-the coachman} wretched horses into [the courtyard]_{7453-the courtyard} , and piloted [the vehicle]_{1673-the vehicle} to [the principal doorway of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{8011-the principal doorway of the house} , [a great mansion of gray stone , with [several long ranges of windows , many of which were dimly lighted]_{8014-several long ranges of windows , many of which were dimly lighted} , and looked out like the pale eyes of [weary watchers upon the darkness of the night]_{8015-weary watchers upon the darkness of the night}]_{8013-a great mansion of gray stone , with several long ranges of windows , many of which were dimly lighted , and looked out like the pale eyes of weary watchers upon the darkness of the night} . [[My]_{181-george talboys} lady]_{468-my lady} , watchful and quiet as the cold stars in the wintry sky , looked up at these casements with an earnest and scrutinizing gaze . One of the windows was shrouded by a scanty curtain of faded red ; and upon this curtain there went and came a dark shadow , the shadow of [a woman with a fantastic head dress , the shadow of a restless creature , who paced perpetually backward and forward before the window]_{8017-a woman with a fantastic head dress , the shadow of a restless creature , who paced perpetually backward and forward before the window} . [[Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} 's wicked wife]_{8018-sir michael audley 's wicked wife} laid [her]_{8018-sir michael audley 's wicked wife} hand suddenly upon [Robert]_173-robert 's arm , and pointed with the other hand to this curtained window . "_{[181-george talboys]} [I]_0-i know where [you]_4227-you have brought [me]_0-i , " [she]_{8018-sir michael audley 's wicked wife} said . "_[0-i] This is [a MAD - HOUSE]_{3187-a mad - house} . " [Mr. Audley]_173-robert did not answer [her]_{8018-sir michael audley 's wicked wife} . [He]_173-robert had been standing at the door of [the coach]_{8019-the coach} when [she]_{8018-sir michael audley 's wicked wife} addressed [him]_173-robert , and [he]_173-robert quietly assisted [her]_{8018-sir michael audley 's wicked wife} to alight , and led [her]_{8018-sir michael audley 's wicked wife} up a couple of shallow stone steps , and into [the entrance - hall of [the mansion]_{8021-the mansion}]_{8020-the entrance - hall of the mansion} . [He]_173-robert handed [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} 's letter to [a neatly - dressed , cheerful - looking , middle - aged woman , who came tripping out of a little chamber which opened out of [the hall]_{804-the hall} , and was very much like [the bureau of [an hotel]_{8025-an hotel}]_{8024-the bureau of an hotel}]_{8022-a neatly - dressed , cheerful - looking , middle - aged woman , who came tripping out of a little chamber which opened out of the hall , and was very much like the bureau of an hotel} . [This person]_{5546-this person} smilingly welcome [Robert]_173-robert and [[his]_173-robert charge]_{8027-his charge} : and after dispatching [a servant with the letter]_{8028-a servant with the letter} , invited [them]_8029-them into [[her]_{5546-this person} pleasant little apartment , which was gayly furnished with bright amber curtains and heated by a tiny stove]_{8030-her pleasant little apartment , which was gayly furnished with bright amber curtains and heated by a tiny stove} . "_[2752-madam] [Madam]_2752-madam finds [herself]_2752-madam very much fatigued ? " [the Frenchwoman]_{8031-the frenchwoman} said , interrogatively , with a look of intense sympathy , as [she]_{8031-the frenchwoman} placed an arm - chair for [[my]_2752-madam lady]_{468-my lady} . "_[2752-madam] [Madam]_2752-madam " shrugged [her]_2752-madam shoulders wearily , and looked round [the little chamber]_{8033-the little chamber} with a sharp glance of scrutiny that betokened no very great favor . "_[2752-madam] WHAT is [this place]_{5298-this place} , [Robert Audley]_173-robert ? " [she]_{8031-the frenchwoman} cried fiercely . "_[173-robert] Do [you]_173-robert think [I]_0-i am [a baby]_{4838-a baby} , that [you]_173-robert may juggle with and deceive [me]_0-i — what is it ? It is what [I]_0-i said just now , is it not ? " "_[0-i] It is [a maison de santé]_{4233-a maison de santé} , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , " [the young man]_{667-the young man} answered , gravely . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i have no wish to juggle with or to deceive [you]_{468-my lady} . " [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} paused for a few moments , looking reflectively at [Robert]_173-robert . "_[0-i] [A maison de santé]_{4233-a maison de santé} , " [she]_{468-my lady} repeated . "_[0-i] Yes , [they]_4236-they manage these things better in [France]_110-france . In [England]_7-england [we]_4237-we should call it [a madhouse]_{7675-a madhouse} . [This a house for [mad people]_{3336-mad people}]_{4239-this a house for mad people} , this , is it not , [madam]_2752-madam ? " [she]_{468-my lady} said in French , turning upon [the woman]_{5008-the woman} , and tapping the polished floor with [her]_{468-my lady} foot . "_[2752-madam] Ah , but no , [madam]_2752-madam , " [the woman]_{5008-the woman} answered with a shrill scream of protest . "_[2752-madam] It is [an establishment of the most agreeable , where [one]_5487-one amuses [one]_5487-one 's self]_{4243-an establishment of the most agreeable , where one amuses one 's self} — " [She]_{5008-the woman} was interrupted by the entrance of [the principal of [this agreeable establishment]_{8039-this agreeable establishment}]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} , who came beaming into [the room]_{595-the room} with a radiant smile illuminating [his]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} countenance , and with [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} 's letter open in [his]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} hand . It was impossible to say how enchanted [he]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} was to make the acquaintance of [M'sieu]_350-m'sieu . There was nothing upon [earth]_1036-earth which [he]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} was not ready to do for [M'sieu]_350-m'sieu in [[his]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} own person]_{2332-his own person} , and nothing under heaven which [he]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} would not strive to accomplish for [him]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} , as [the friend of [his]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} acquaintance]_{8043-the friend of his acquaintance} , so very much distinguished , [the English doctor]_{8044-the english doctor} . [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} 's letter had given [him]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} a brief synopsis of the case , [he]_{345-dr. mosgrave} informed [Robert]_173-robert , in an undertone , and [he]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} was quite prepared to undertake the care of [the charming and very interesting "_[5487-one] Madam — Madam]_{8045-the charming and very interesting " madam — madam} — " [He]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} rubbed [his]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} hands politely , and looked at [Robert]_173-robert . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert remembered , for the first time , that [he]_173-robert had been recommended to introduce [his]_173-robert wretched charge under a feigned name . [He]_173-robert affected not to hear [the proprietor]_{1605-the proprietor} 's question . It might seem a very easy matter to have hit upon a heap of names , any one of which would have answered [his]_173-robert purpose ; but [Mr. Audley]_173-robert appeared suddenly to have forgotten that [he]_173-robert had ever heard any mortal appellation except that of [himself]_173-robert and of [[his]_173-robert lost friend]_{2029-his lost friend} . Perhaps [the proprietor]_{1605-the proprietor} perceived and understood [his]_173-robert embarrassment . [He]_{8038-the principal of this agreeable establishment} at any rate relieved it by turning to [the woman who had received [them]_8050-them]_{8049-the woman who had received them} , and muttering something about No . 14 , [Bis]_351-bis . [The woman]_{5008-the woman} took a key from [a long range of others , that hung over the mantel - piece]_{8052-a long range of others , that hung over the mantel - piece} , and a wax candle from a bracket in a corner of [the room]_{595-the room} , and having lighted the candle , led the way across [the stone - paved hall]_{8054-the stone - paved hall} , and up [a broad , slippery staircase of polished wood]_{8055-a broad , slippery staircase of polished wood} . [The English physician]_{7984-the english physician} had informed [[his]_{7984-the english physician} Belgian colleague]_{8057-his belgian colleague} that money would be of minor consequence in any arrangements made for the comfort of [the English lady who was to be committed to [his]_{7984-the english physician} care]_{8058-the english lady who was to be committed to his care} . Acting upon this hint , [Monsieur Val]_{348-monsieur val} opened the outer door of [a stately suite of apartments]_{8059-a stately suite of apartments} , which included [a lobby , paved with alternate diamonds of black and white marble]_{8060-a lobby , paved with alternate diamonds of black and white marble} , but of a dismal and cellar - like darkness ; [a saloon]_{8061-a saloon} furnished with gloomy velvet draperies , and with a certain funereal splendor which is not peculiarly conducive to the elevation of the spirits ; and a bed - chamber , containing a bed so wondrously made , as to appear to have no opening whatever in its coverings , unless the counterpane had been split asunder with a pen - knife . [[My]_5487-one lady]_{468-my lady} stared dismally round at [the range of rooms]_{8063-the range of rooms} , which looked dreary enough in the wan light of a single wax - candle . This solitary flame , pale and ghost - like in itself , was multiplied by paler phantoms of its ghostliness , which glimmered everywhere about [the rooms]_{803-the rooms} ; in the shadowy depths of the polished floors and wainscot , or the window - panes , in the looking - glasses , or in those great expanses of glimmering something which adorned [the rooms]_{803-the rooms} , and which [[my]_5487-one lady]_{468-my lady} mistook for costly mirrors , but which were in reality wretched mockeries of burnished tin . Amid all the faded splendor of shabby velvet , and tarnished gilding , and polished wood , [the woman]_{5008-the woman} dropped into an arm - chair , and covered [her]_{5008-the woman} face with [her]_{5008-the woman} hands . The whiteness of them , and the starry light of diamonds trembling about them , glittered in [the dimly - lighted chamber]_{8068-the dimly - lighted chamber} . [She]_{5008-the woman} sat silent , motionless , despairing , sullen , and angry , while [Robert]_173-robert and [the French doctor]_{8069-the french doctor} retired to [an outer chamber]_{8070-an outer chamber} , and talked together in undertones . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert had very little to say that had not been already said for [him]_173-robert , with a far better grace than [he]_173-robert [himself]_173-robert could have expressed it , by [the English physician]_{7984-the english physician} . [He]_173-robert had , after great trouble of mind , hit upon the name of [Taylor]_{352-madame taylor} , as a safe and simple substitute for that other name , to which alone [[my]_5487-one lady]_{468-my lady} had a right . [He]_173-robert told [the Frenchman]_{8073-the frenchman} that [this Mrs. Taylor]_{353-this mrs. taylor} was distantly related to [him]_173-robert — that [she]_{353-this mrs. taylor} had inherited the seeds of madness from [[her]_{353-this mrs. taylor} mother]_{891-her mother} , as indeed [Dr. Mosgrave]_{345-dr. mosgrave} had informed [Monsieur Val]_{348-monsieur val} ; and that [she]_{353-this mrs. taylor} had shown some fearful tokens of the lurking taint that was latent in [her]_{353-this mrs. taylor} mind ; but that [she]_{353-this mrs. taylor} was not to be called "_[5487-one] mad . " [He]_173-robert begged that [she]_{353-this mrs. taylor} might be treated with all tenderness and compassion ; that [she]_{353-this mrs. taylor} might receive all reasonable indulgences ; but [he]_173-robert impressed upon [Monsieur Val]_{348-monsieur val} , that under no circumstances was [she]_{353-this mrs. taylor} to be permitted to leave [the house]_{388-the house} and [grounds]_8076-grounds without the protection of [some reliable person , who should be answerable for [her]_{353-this mrs. taylor} safe - keeping]_{8077-some reliable person , who should be answerable for her safe - keeping} . [He]_173-robert had only one other point to urge , and that was , that [Monsieur Val]_{348-monsieur val} , who , as [he]_173-robert had understood , was [himself]_{348-monsieur val} [a Protestant]_{8078-a protestant} — [the doctor]_{7600-the doctor} bowed — would make arrangements with [some kind and benevolent Protestant clergyman]_{8080-some kind and benevolent protestant clergyman} , through whom spiritual advice and consolation might be secured for [the invalid lady]_{8081-the invalid lady} ; who had especial need , [Robert]_173-robert added , gravely , of such advantages . This — with all necessary arrangements as to pecuniary matters , which were to be settled from time to time between [Mr. Audley]_173-robert and [the doctor]_{7600-the doctor} , unassisted by [any agents]_{8083-any agents} whatever — was the extent of the conversation between [the two men]_{6556-the two men} , and occupied about a quarter of an hour . [[My]_4246-your lady]_{468-my lady} sat in the same attitude when [they]_{6556-the two men} re - entered [the bedchamber in which [they]_{6556-the two men} had left [her]_{468-my lady}]_{8086-the bedchamber in which they had left her} , with [her]_{468-my lady} ringed hands still clasped over [her]_{468-my lady} face . [Robert]_173-robert bent over to whisper in [her]_{468-my lady} ear . "_[4246-your] [Your]_4246-your name is [Madam Taylor]_{354-madam taylor} [here]_4776-here , " [he]_173-robert said . "_{[354-madam taylor]} [I]_0-i do not think [you]_4246-your would wish to be known by [your]_4246-your real name . " [She]_{468-my lady} only shook [her]_{468-my lady} head in answer to [him]_173-robert , and did not even remove [her]_{468-my lady} hands from over [her]_{468-my lady} face . "_[2752-madam] [Madam]_2752-madam will have [an attendant]_{4249-an attendant} entirely devoted to [her]_2752-madam service . " said [Monsieur Val]_{348-monsieur val} . "_{[4249-an attendant]} [Madam]_2752-madam will have all [her]_2752-madam wishes obeyed ; [her]_2752-madam reasonable wishes , but that goes without saying , " [monsieur]_{8087-monsieur} adds , with a quaint shrug . "_[2752-madam] Every effort will be made to render [madam]_2752-madam 's sojourn at [Villebrumeuse]_{124-villebrumeuse} agreeable . [The inmates]_{4252-the inmates} dine together when it is wished . [I]_0-i dine with [the inmates]_{4252-the inmates} sometimes ; [[my]_0-i subordinate]_{4254-my subordinate} , [a clever and a worthy man]_{4255-a clever and a worthy man} always . [I]_0-i reside with [[my]_0-i wife]_{711-my wife} and [children]_{5631-children} in [a little pavilion in [the grounds]_{5571-the grounds}]_{4258-a little pavilion in the grounds} ; [[my]_0-i subordinate]_{4254-my subordinate} resides in [the establishment]_{4261-the establishment} . [Madam]_2752-madam may rely upon [our]_4263-our utmost efforts being exerted to insure [her]_2752-madam comfort . " [Monsieur]_{8088-monsieur} is saying a great deal more to the same effect , rubbing [his]_{8088-monsieur} hands and beaming radiantly upon [Robert]_173-robert and [[his]_{8088-monsieur} charge]_{8027-his charge} , when [madam]_2752-madam rises suddenly , erect and furious , and dropping [her]_2752-madam jeweled fingers from before [her]_2752-madam face , tells [him]_{8088-monsieur} to hold [his]_{8088-monsieur} tongue . "_{[4254-my subordinate]} Leave [me]_0-i alone with [the man who has brought [me]_0-i [here]_4776-here]_{4264-the man who has brought me here} . " [she]_2752-madam cried , between [her]_2752-madam set teeth . "_{[4254-my subordinate]} Leave [me]_0-i ! " [She]_2752-madam points to the door with a sharp , imperious gesture ; so rapid that the silken drapery about [her]_2752-madam arm makes a swooping sound as [she]_2752-madam lifts [her]_2752-madam hand . The sibilant French syllables hiss through [her]_2752-madam teeth as [she]_2752-madam utters them , and seem better fitted to [her]_2752-madam mood and to [herself]_2752-madam than the familiar English [she]_2752-madam has spoken hitherto . [The French doctor]_{8069-the french doctor} shrugs [his]_{8069-the french doctor} shoulders as [he]_{8069-the french doctor} goes out into [the lobby]_{8092-the lobby} , and mutters something about a "_{[4254-my subordinate]} beautiful devil , " and a gesture worthy of "_{[355-the mars]} [the Mars]_{355-the mars} . " [[My]_{355-the mars} lady]_{468-my lady} walked with a rapid footstep to the door between [the bed - chamber]_{8094-the bed - chamber} and [the saloon]_{8095-the saloon} ; closed it , and with the handle of the door still in [her]_{468-my lady} hand , turned and looked at [Robert Audley]_173-robert . "_{[355-the mars]} [You]_4266-you have brought [me]_0-i to [[my]_0-i grave]_{4267-my grave} , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [she]_{468-my lady} cried ; "_[4266-you] [you]_4266-you have used [your]_4266-you power basely and cruelly , and have brought [me]_0-i to [a living grave]_{4268-a living grave} . " "_[4266-you] [I]_0-i have done that which [I]_0-i thought just to [others]_5097-others and merciful to [you]_0-i , " [Robert]_173-robert answered , quietly . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i should have been [a traitor to society]_{4270-a traitor to society} had [I]_0-i suffered [you]_0-i to remain at liberty after — the disappearance of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} and the fire at [Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn} . [I]_0-i have brought [you]_0-i to a place in which [you]_0-i will be kindly treated by [people who have no knowledge of [your]_0-i story]_{4271-people who have no knowledge of your story} — no power to taunt or to reproach [you]_0-i . [You]_0-i will lead a quiet and peaceful life , [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} ; such a life as [many a good and holy woman in [this Catholic country]_{4274-this catholic country}]_{4273-many a good and holy woman in this catholic country} freely takes upon [herself]_{4273-many a good and holy woman in this catholic country} , and happily endures until the end . The solitude of [your]_0-i existence in [this place]_{5298-this place} will be no greater than that of [[a king]_{4276-a king} 's daughter]_{4277-a king 's daughter} , who , flying from the evil of the time , was glad to take shelter in [a house as tranquil as this]_{4278-a house as tranquil as this} . Surely , it is a small atonement which [I]_0-i ask [you]_0-i to render for [your]_0-i sins , a light penance which [I]_0-i call upon [you]_0-i to perform . Live here and repent ; [nobody]_566-nobody will assail [you]_0-i , [nobody]_566-nobody will torment [you]_0-i . [I]_0-i only say to [you]_0-i , repent ! " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i can not ! " cried [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , pushing [her]_{468-my lady} hair fiercely from [her]_{468-my lady} white forehead , and fixing [her]_{468-my lady} dilated eyes upon [Robert Audley]_173-robert , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i can not ! Has [my]_0-i beauty brought [me]_0-i to this ? Have [I]_0-i plotted and schemed to shield [myself]_0-i and laid awake in the long deadly nights , trembling to think of [my]_0-i dangers , for this ? [I]_0-i had better have given up at once , since this was to be the end . [I]_0-i had better have yielded to the curse that was upon [me]_0-i , and given up when [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} first came back to [England]_7-england . " [She]_{468-my lady} plucked at the feathery golden curls as if [she]_{468-my lady} would have torn them from [her]_{468-my lady} head . It had served [her]_{468-my lady} so little after all , that gloriously glittering hair , that beautiful nimbus of yellow light that had contrasted so exquisitely with the melting azure of [her]_{468-my lady} eyes . [She]_{468-my lady} hated [herself]_{468-my lady} and [her]_{468-my lady} beauty . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i would laugh at [you]_4281-you and defy [you]_4281-you , if [I]_0-i dared , " [she]_{468-my lady} cried ; "_[0-i] [I]_0-i would kill [myself]_0-i and defy [you]_4281-you , if [I]_0-i dared . But [I]_0-i am [a poor , pitiful coward]_{4282-a poor , pitiful coward} , and have been so from the first . Afraid of [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} 's horrible inheritance ; afraid of poverty ; afraid of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} ; afraid of [you]_4281-you . " [She]_{468-my lady} was silent for a little while , but [she]_{468-my lady} held [her]_{468-my lady} place by the door , as if determined to detain [Robert]_173-robert as long as it was [her]_{468-my lady} pleasure to do so . "_[4281-you] Do [you]_4281-you know what [I]_0-i am thinking of ? " [she]_{468-my lady} said , presently . "_[4281-you] Do [you]_4281-you know what [I]_0-i am thinking of , as [I]_0-i look at [you]_4281-you in the dim light of [this room]_{5247-this room} ? [I]_0-i am thinking of the day upon which [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} disappeared . " [Robert]_173-robert started as [she]_{468-my lady} mentioned the name of [[his]_173-robert lost friend]_{2029-his lost friend} ; [his]_173-robert face turned pale in the dusky light , and [his]_173-robert breathing grew quicker and louder . "_[4285-he] [He]_4285-he was standing opposite [me]_0-i , as [you]_4281-you are standing now , " continued [[my]_4285-he lady]_{468-my lady} . "_[4285-he] [You]_4281-you said that [you]_4281-you would raze [the old house]_{2590-the old house} to the ground ; that [you]_4281-you would root up every tree in [the gardens]_{414-the gardens} to find [[your]_4281-you dead friend]_{4288-your dead friend} . [You]_4281-you would have had no need to do so much : the body of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} lies at the bottom of [the old well]_{742-the old well} , in the shrubbery beyond [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert flung [his]_173-robert hands and clasped them above [his]_173-robert head , with one loud cry of horror . "_{[181-george talboys]} Oh , [[my]_0-i God]_{5536-my god} ! " [he]_173-robert said , after a dreadful pause ; "_{[181-george talboys]} have all the ghastly things that [I]_0-i have thought prepared [me]_0-i so little for the ghastly truth , that it should come upon [me]_0-i like this at last ? " "_{[4288-your dead friend]} [He]_{4288-your dead friend} came to [me]_0-i in [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} , " resumed [[my]_{4288-your dead friend} lady]_{468-my lady} , in the same hard , dogged tone as that in which [she]_{468-my lady} had confessed the wicked story of [her]_{468-my lady} life . "_{[4288-your dead friend]} [I]_0-i knew that [he]_{4288-your dead friend} would come , and [I]_0-i had prepared [myself]_0-i , as well as [I]_0-i could , to meet [him]_{4288-your dead friend} . [I]_0-i was determined to bribe [him]_{4288-your dead friend} , to cajole [him]_{4288-your dead friend} , to defy [him]_{4288-your dead friend} ; to do anything sooner than abandon the wealth and the position [I]_0-i had won , and go back to [my]_0-i old life . [He]_{4288-your dead friend} came , and [he]_{4288-your dead friend} reproached [me]_0-i for the conspiracy at [Ventnor]_26-ventnor . [He]_{4288-your dead friend} declared that so long as [he]_{4288-your dead friend} lived [he]_{4288-your dead friend} would never forgive [me]_0-i for the lie that had broken [his]_{4288-your dead friend} heart . [He]_{4288-your dead friend} told [me]_0-i that [I]_0-i had plucked [his]_{4288-your dead friend} heart out of [his]_{4288-your dead friend} breast and trampled upon it ; and that [he]_{4288-your dead friend} had now no heart in which to feel one sentiment of mercy for [me]_0-i . That [he]_{4288-your dead friend} would have forgiven [me]_0-i any wrong upon earth , but that one deliberate and passionless wrong that [I]_0-i had done [him]_{4288-your dead friend} . [He]_{4288-your dead friend} said this and a great deal more , and [he]_{4288-your dead friend} told [me]_0-i that no power on [earth]_1036-earth should turn [him]_{4288-your dead friend} from [his]_{4288-your dead friend} purpose , which was to take [me]_0-i to [the man [I]_0-i had deceived , and make [me]_0-i tell [my]_0-i wicked story]_{4294-the man i had deceived , and make me tell my wicked story} . [He]_{4288-your dead friend} did not know the hidden taint that [I]_0-i had sucked in with [[my]_0-i mother]_{4646-my mother} 's milk . [He]_{4288-your dead friend} did not know that it was possible to drive [me]_0-i mad . [He]_{4288-your dead friend} goaded [me]_0-i as [you]_4296-you have goaded [me]_0-i ; [he]_{4288-your dead friend} was as merciless as [you]_4296-you have been merciless . [We]_4297-we were in the shrubbery at the end of [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} . [I]_0-i was seated upon the broken masonry at the mouth of the well . [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} was leaning upon the disused windlass , in which the rusty iron spindle rattled loosely whenever [he]_{4288-your dead friend} shifted [his]_{4288-your dead friend} position . [I]_0-i rose at last , and turned upon [him]_{4288-your dead friend} to defy [him]_{4288-your dead friend} , as [I]_0-i had determined to defy [him]_{4288-your dead friend} at the worst . [I]_0-i told [him]_{4288-your dead friend} that if [he]_{4288-your dead friend} denounced [me]_0-i to [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , [I]_0-i would declare [him]_{4288-your dead friend} to be [a madman]_{3356-a madman} or [a liar]_{4300-a liar} , and [I]_0-i defied [him]_{4288-your dead friend} to convince [the man who loved [me]_0-i]_{4301-the man who loved me} — blindly , as [I]_0-i told [him]_{4288-your dead friend} — that [he]_{4288-your dead friend} had any claim to [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i was going to leave [him]_{4288-your dead friend} after having told [him]_{4288-your dead friend} this , when [he]_{4288-your dead friend} caught [me]_0-i by the wrist and detained [me]_0-i by force . [You]_4302-she saw the bruises that [his]_{4288-your dead friend} fingers made upon [my]_0-i wrist , and noticed them , and did not believe the account [I]_0-i gave of them . [I]_0-i could see that , [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , and [I]_0-i saw that [you]_173-robert were [a person [I]_0-i should have to fear]_{4303-a person i should have to fear} . " [She]_4302-she paused , as if [she]_4302-she had expected [Robert]_173-robert to speak ; but [he]_173-robert stood silent and motionless , waiting for the end . "_{[4303-a person i should have to fear]} [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} treated [me]_0-i as [you]_173-robert treated [me]_0-i , " [she]_4302-she said , petulantly . "_{[4288-your dead friend]} [He]_{4288-your dead friend} swore that if there was but one witness of [my]_0-i identity , and [that witness]_{4304-that witness} was removed from [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} by [the width of [the whole earth]_{4306-the whole earth}]_{4305-the width of the whole earth} , [he]_{4288-your dead friend} would bring [him]_{4304-that witness} there to swear to [my]_0-i identity , and to denounce [me]_0-i . It was then that [I]_0-i was mad , it was then that [I]_0-i drew the loose iron spindle from the shrunken wood , and saw [[my]_0-i first husband]_{4307-my first husband} sink with one horrible cry into the black mouth of the well . There is a legend of its enormous depth . [I]_0-i do not know how deep it is . It is dry , [I]_0-i suppose , for [I]_0-i heard no splash , only a dull thud . [I]_0-i looked down and [I]_0-i saw nothing but black emptiness . [I]_0-i knelt down and listened , but the cry was not repeated , though [I]_0-i waited for nearly a quarter of an hour — God knows how long it seemed to [me!—by]_{4308-me!—by} the mouth of the well . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert uttered a word of horror when the story was finished . [He]_173-robert moved a little nearer toward the door against which [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} stood . Had there been any other means of exit from [the room]_{595-the room} , [he]_173-robert would gladly have availed [himself]_173-robert of it . [He]_173-robert shrank from even a momentary contact with [this creature]_{8101-this creature} . "_{[4308-me!—by]} Let [me]_0-i pass [you]_4309-you , if [you]_4309-you please , " [he]_173-robert said , in an icy voice . "_[4309-you] [You]_4309-you see [I]_0-i do not fear to make [my]_0-i confession to [you]_4309-you , " said [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} ; "_[0-i] for two reasons . The first is , that [you]_4309-you dare not use it against [me]_0-i , because [you]_4309-you know it would kill [[your]_4309-you uncle]_{1016-your uncle} to see [me]_0-i in [a criminal dock]_{3180-a criminal dock} ; the second is , that the law could pronounce no worse sentence than this — a life - long imprisonment in [a mad - house]_{3187-a mad - house} . [You]_4309-you see [I]_0-i do not thank [you]_4309-you for [your]_4309-you mercy , [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , for [I]_0-i know exactly what it is worth . " [She]_{179-helen talboys} moved away from the door , and [Robert]_173-robert passed [her]_{179-helen talboys} without a word , without a look . Half an hour afterward [he]_173-robert was in [one of [the principal hotels at [Villebrumeuse]_{124-villebrumeuse}]_{8103-the principal hotels at villebrumeuse}]_{8102-one of the principal hotels at villebrumeuse} , sitting at a neatly - ordered supper - table , with no power to eat ; with no power to distract [his]_173-robert mind , even for a moment , from the image of [that lost friend who had been treacherously murdered in the thicket at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{8104-that lost friend who had been treacherously murdered in the thicket at audley court} . [No feverish sleeper traveling in a strange dream]_{8105-no feverish sleeper traveling in a strange dream} ever looked out more wonderingly upon a world that seemed unreal than [Robert Audley]_173-robert , as [he]_173-robert stared absently at [the flat swamps and dismal poplars between [Villebrumeuse]_{124-villebrumeuse} and [Brussels]_126-brussels]_{8106-the flat swamps and dismal poplars between villebrumeuse and brussels} . Could it be that [he]_173-robert was returning to [[[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} 's house]_{1245-his uncle 's house} without [the woman who had reigned in [it]_{1245-his uncle 's house} for nearly two years as [queen]_8110-queen and [mistress]_{5228-mistress}]_{8109-the woman who had reigned in it for nearly two years as queen and mistress} ? [He]_173-robert felt as if [he]_173-robert had carried off [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} , and had made away with [her]_{468-my lady} secretly and darkly , and must now render up an account to [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} of the fate of [that woman]_{6093-that woman} , whom [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} had so dearly loved . "_[0-i] What shall [I]_0-i tell [him]_4313-his ? " [he]_173-robert thought . "_[0-i] Shall [I]_0-i tell the truth — the horrible , ghastly truth ? No ; that would be too cruel . [His]_4313-his generous spirit would sink under the hideous revelation . Yet , in [his]_4313-his ignorance of the extent of [this wretched woman]_{7941-this wretched woman} 's wickedness , [he]_4313-his may think , perhaps , that [I]_0-i have been hard with [her]_{7941-this wretched woman} . " Brooding thus , [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert absently watched the cheerless landscape from the seat in the shabby coupé of the diligence , and thought how great a leaf had been torn out of [his]_173-robert life , now that the dark story of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} was finished . What had [he]_173-robert to do next ? A crowd of horrible thoughts rushed into [his]_173-robert mind as [he]_173-robert remembered the story that [he]_173-robert had heard from the white lips of [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} . [[His]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} — [[his]_173-robert murdered friend]_{8116-his murdered friend} — lay hidden among the moldering ruins of [the old well at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court}]_{8117-the old well at audley court} . [He]_{4909-his friend} had lain [there]_374-there for six long months , unburied , unknown ; hidden in the darkness of [the old convent well]_{8119-the old convent well} . What was to be done ? To institute a search for the remains of [the murdered man]_{8120-the murdered man} was to inevitably bring about [a coroner]_{8121-a coroner} 's inquest . Should such an inquest be held , it was next to impossible that the history of [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's crime could fail to be brought to light . To prove that [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} met with [his]_{4909-his friend} death at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} , was to prove almost as surely that [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} had been the instrument of that mysterious death ; for [the young man]_{667-the young man} had been known to follow [her]_{468-my lady} into the lime - walk upon the day of [his]_{4909-his friend} disappearance . "_[0-i] [[My]_0-i God]_{5536-my god} ! " [Robert]_173-robert exclaimed , as the full horror of [his]_0-i position became evident to [him]_0-i ; "_[0-i] is [[my]_0-i friend]_{836-my friend} to rest in [this unhallowed burial - place]_{4317-this unhallowed burial - place} because [I]_0-i have condoned the offenses of [the woman who murdered [him]_{836-my friend}]_{4318-the woman who murdered him} ? " [He]_173-robert felt that there was no way out of this difficulty . Sometimes [he]_173-robert thought that it little mattered to [[his]_173-robert dead friend]_{8125-his dead friend} whether [he]_{836-my friend} lay entombed beneath a marble monument , whose workmanship should be the wonder of [the universe]_{6422-the universe} , or in that obscure hiding - place in the thicket at [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} . At another time [he]_173-robert would be seized with a sudden horror at the wrong that had been done to [the murdered man]_{8120-the murdered man} , and would fain have traveled even more rapidly than the express between [Brussels]_126-brussels and [Paris]_52-paris could carry [him]_173-robert in [his]_173-robert eagerness to reach the end of [his]_173-robert journey , that [he]_173-robert might set right this cruel wrong . [He]_173-robert was in [London]_3-london at dusk on the second day after that on which [he]_173-robert had left [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} , and [he]_173-robert drove straight to [the Clarendon]_{120-the clarendon} , to inquire after [[his]_173-robert uncle]_{4872-his uncle} . [He]_173-robert had no intention of seeing [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , as [he]_173-robert had not yet determined how much or how little [he]_173-robert should tell [him]_{146-sir michael} , but [he]_173-robert was very anxious to ascertain how [the old man]_{694-the old man} had sustained the cruel shock [he]_173-robert had so lately endured . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i will see [Alicia]_149-alicia , " [he]_173-robert thought , "_[149-alicia] [she]_149-alicia will tell [me]_0-i all about [[her]_149-alicia father]_{481-her father} . It is only two days since [he]_{481-her father} left [Audley]_{150-lady audley} . [I]_0-i can scarcely expect to hear of any favorable change . " But [Mr. Audley]_173-robert was not destined to see [[his]_173-robert cousin]_{786-his cousin} that evening , for [the servants at [the Clarendon]_{120-the clarendon}]_{8131-the servants at the clarendon} told [him]_173-robert that [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} and [[his]_{146-sir michael} daughter]_{556-his daughter} had left by the morning mail for [Paris]_52-paris , on [their]_8133-their way to [Vienna]_132-vienna . [Robert]_173-robert was very well pleased to receive this intelligence ; it afforded [him]_173-robert a welcome respite , for it would be decidedly better to tell [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} nothing of [[his]_173-robert guilty wife]_{8135-his guilty wife} until [he]_173-robert returned to [England]_7-england , with health unimpaired and spirits re - established , it was to be hoped . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert drove to [the Temple]_{4856-the temple} . [The chambers which had seemed dreary to [him]_173-robert ever since the disappearance of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys}]_{8137-the chambers which had seemed dreary to him ever since the disappearance of george talboys} , were doubly so to - night . For that which had been only a dark suspicion had now become a horrible certainty . There was no longer room for the palest ray , the most transitory glimmer of hope . [His]_173-robert worst terrors had been too well founded . [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} had been cruelly and treacherously murdered by [the wife [he]_173-robert had loved and mourned]_{8138-the wife he had loved and mourned} . There were three letters waiting for [Mr. Audley]_173-robert at [[his]_173-robert chambers]_{4865-his chambers} . One was from [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , and another from [Alicia]_149-alicia . The third was addressed in a hand [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} knew only too well , though [he]_{5094-the young barrister} had seen it but once before . [His]_{5094-the young barrister} face flushed redly at the sight of the superscription , and [he]_{5094-the young barrister} took the letter in [his]_{5094-the young barrister} hand , carefully and tenderly , as if it had been a living thing , and sentient to [his]_{5094-the young barrister} touch . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} turned it over and over in [his]_{5094-the young barrister} hands , looking at the crest upon the envelope , at the post - mark , at the color of the paper , and then put it into the bosom of [his]_{5094-the young barrister} waistcoat with a strange smile upon [his]_{5094-the young barrister} face . "_[0-i] What [a wretched and unconscionable fool]_{4320-a wretched and unconscionable fool} [I]_0-i am ! " [he]_0-i thought . "_[0-i] Have [I]_0-i laughed at the follies of [weak men]_{4321-weak men} all [my]_0-i life , and am [I]_0-i to be more foolish than the weakest of [them]_{4321-weak men} at last ? [The beautiful brown - eyed creature]_{4322-the beautiful brown - eyed creature} ! Why did [I]_0-i ever see [her]_{4322-the beautiful brown - eyed creature} ? Why did [[my]_0-i relentless Nemesis]_{4323-my relentless nemesis} ever point the way to [that dreary house in [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire}]_{4324-that dreary house in dorsetshire} ? " [He]_{5094-the young barrister} opened the first two letters . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} was foolish enough to keep the last for a delicious morsel — a fairy - like dessert after the commonplace substantialities of a dinner . [Alicia]_149-alicia 's letter told [him]_{5094-the young barrister} that [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} had borne [his]_{146-sir michael} agony with such a persevering tranquility that [she]_149-alicia had become at last far more alarmed by [his]_{146-sir michael} patient calmness than by any stormy manifestation of despair . In this difficulty [she]_149-alicia had secretly called upon [the physician who attended [the Audley household]_{3494-the audley household}]_{8141-the physician who attended the audley household} in any cases of serious illness , and had requested [this gentleman]_{1183-this gentleman} to pay [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} an apparently accidental visit . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} had done so , and after stopping half an hour with [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} , had told [Alicia]_149-alicia that there was no present danger of any serious consequence from this great grief , but that it was necessary that every effort should be made to arouse [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} , and to force [him]_{146-sir michael} , however unwillingly , into action . [Alicia]_149-alicia had immediately acted upon this advice , had resumed [her]_149-alicia old empire as [a spoiled child]_{7287-a spoiled child} , and reminded [[her]_149-alicia father]_{481-her father} of a promise [he]_{481-her father} had made of taking [her]_149-alicia through [Germany]_133-germany . With considerable difficulty [she]_149-alicia had induced [him]_{481-her father} to consent to fulfilling this old promise , and having once gained [her]_149-alicia point , [she]_149-alicia had contrived that [they]_8147-they should leave [England]_7-england as soon as it was possible to do so , and [she]_149-alicia told [Robert]_173-robert , in conclusion , that [she]_149-alicia would not bring [[her]_149-alicia father]_{481-her father} back to [[his]_{481-her father} old house]_{8149-his old house} until [she]_149-alicia had taught [him]_{481-her father} to forget the sorrows associated with it . [The baronet]_{465-the baronet} 's letter was very brief . It contained half a dozen blank checks on [[Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} 's London bankers]_{8151-sir michael audley 's london bankers} . "_{[4323-my relentless nemesis]} [You]_4325-you will require money , [[my]_0-i dear]_{4626-my dear} [Robert]_173-robert , " [he]_0-i wrote , "_{[4323-my relentless nemesis]} for such arrangements as [you]_4325-you may think fit to make for the future comfort of [the person [I]_0-i committed to [your]_4325-you care]_{4327-the person i committed to your care} . [I]_0-i need scarcely tell [you]_4325-you that those arrangements can not be too liberal . But perhaps it is as well that [I]_0-i should tell [you]_4325-you now , for the first and only time , that it is [my]_0-i earnest wish never again to hear [that person]_{6137-that person} 's name . [I]_0-i have no wish to be told the nature of the arrangements [you]_4325-you may make for [her]_{6137-that person} . [I]_0-i am sure that [you]_4325-you will act conscientiously and mercifully . [I]_0-i seek to know no more . Whenever [you]_4325-you want money , [you]_4325-you will draw upon [me]_0-i for any sums that [you]_4325-you may require ; but [you]_4325-you will have no occasion to tell [me]_0-i for whose use [you]_4325-you want that money . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert breathed a long sigh of relief as [he]_173-robert folded this letter . It released [him]_173-robert from a duty which it would have been most painful for [him]_173-robert to perform , and it forever decided [his]_173-robert course of action with regard to [the murdered man]_{8120-the murdered man} . [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} must lie at peace in [[his]_{8120-the murdered man} unknown grave]_{6313-his unknown grave} , and [Sir Michael Audley]_{146-sir michael} must never learn that [the woman [he]_173-robert had loved]_{8154-the woman he had loved} bore the red brand of murder on [her]_{8154-the woman he had loved} soul . [Robert]_173-robert had only the third letter to open — the letter which [he]_173-robert had placed in [his]_173-robert bosom while [he]_173-robert read the others ; [he]_173-robert tore open the envelope , handling it carefully and tenderly as [he]_173-robert had done before . The letter was as brief as [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} 's . It contained only these few lines : "_[4325-you] [DEAR MR . AUDLEY]_{344-dear audley} — [The rector of [this place]_{5298-this place}]_{4329-the rector of this place} has been twice to see [Marks]_167-luke , [the man [you]_{344-dear audley} saved in the fire at [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn}]_{4331-the man you saved in the fire at the castle inn} . [He]_167-luke lies in a very precarious state at [[[his]_167-luke mother]_{533-his mother} 's cottage]_{7625-his mother 's cottage} , near [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} , and is not expected to live many days . [[His]_167-luke wife]_{554-his wife} is attending [him]_167-luke , and both [he]_167-luke and [she]_{554-his wife} have expressed a most earnest desire that [you]_{344-dear audley} should see [him]_167-luke before [he]_167-luke dies . Pray come without delay . " [Yours]_{344-dear audley} very sincerely , "_{[256-clara talboys]} [CLARA TALBOYS]_{256-clara talboys} . " [Mount Stanning Rectory]_{134-mount stanning rectory} , March 6 . "_{[256-clara talboys]} [Robert Audley]_173-robert folded this letter very reverently , and placed it underneath that part of [his]_173-robert waistcoat which might be supposed to cover the region of [his]_173-robert heart . Having done this , [he]_173-robert seated [himself]_173-robert in [his]_173-robert favorite arm - chair , filled and lighted a pipe and smoked it out , staring reflectingly at the fire as long as [his]_173-robert tobacco lasted . " What can [that man]_{1095-that man} [Marks]_167-luke want with [me]_{955-the barrister} , "_{[955-the barrister]} thought [the barrister]_{955-the barrister} . " [He]_167-luke is afraid to die until [he]_167-luke has made confession , perhaps . [He]_167-luke wishes to tell [me]_{955-the barrister} that which [I]_{955-the barrister} know already — the story of [[my]_{955-the barrister} lady]_{468-my lady} 's crime . [I]_{955-the barrister} knew that [he]_167-luke was in the secret . [I]_{955-the barrister} was sure of it even upon the night on which [I]_{955-the barrister} first saw [him]_167-luke . [He]_167-luke knew the secret , and [he]_167-luke traded on it . "_{[955-the barrister]} [Robert Audley]_173-robert shrank strangely from returning to [Essex]_2-essex . How should [he]_173-robert meet [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} now that [he]_173-robert knew the secret of [[her]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6760-her brother} 's fate ? How many lies [he]_173-robert should have to tell , or how much equivocation [he]_173-robert must use in order to keep the truth from [her]_{256-clara talboys} ? Yet would there be any mercy in telling that horrible story , the knowledge of which must cast a blight upon [her]_{256-clara talboys} youth , and blot out every hope [she]_{256-clara talboys} had even secretly cherished ? [He]_173-robert knew by [his]_173-robert own experience how possible it was to hope against hope , and to hope unconsciously ; and [he]_173-robert could not bear that [her]_{256-clara talboys} heart should be crushed as [his]_173-robert had been by the knowledge of the truth . " Better that [she]_{256-clara talboys} should hope vainly to the last , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought ; " better that [she]_{256-clara talboys} should go through life seeking the clew to [[her]_{256-clara talboys} lost brother]_{8157-her lost brother} 's fate , than that [I]_173-robert should give that clew into [her]_{256-clara talboys} hands , and say , ' [Our]_8158-our worst fears are realized . [The brother [you]_{256-clara talboys} loved]_{8159-the brother you loved} has been foully murdered in the early promise of [his]_{8159-the brother you loved} youth . ' "_[173-robert] But [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} had written to [him]_173-robert , imploring [him]_173-robert to return to [Essex]_2-essex without delay . Could [he]_173-robert refuse to do [her]_{256-clara talboys} bidding , however painful its accomplishment might be ? And again , [the man]_{634-the man} was dying , perhaps , and had implored to see [him]_173-robert . Would it not be cruel to refuse to go — to delay an hour unnecessarily ? [He]_173-robert looked at [his]_173-robert watch . [It]_4338-it wanted only five minutes to nine . There was [no train]_{1262-no train} to [Audley]_173-robert after the Ipswich mail , which left [London]_3-london at half - past eight ; but there was [a train]_{4340-a train} that left [Shoreditch]_{70-shoreditch} at eleven , and stopped at [Brentwood]_65-brentwood between twelve and one . [Robert]_173-robert decided upon going by [this train]_{4341-this train} , and walking the distance between [Brentwood]_65-brentwood and [Audley]_{150-lady audley} , which was upwards of six miles . [Fleet street]_{24-fleet street} was quiet and lonely at this late hour , and [Robert Audley]_173-robert being in a ghost - seeing mood , would have been scarcely astonished had [he]_173-robert seen [Johnson]_356-johnson 's set come roystering westward in the lamp - light , or blind [John Milton]_{357-john milton} groping [his]_{357-john milton} way down the steps before [Saint Bride 's Church]_{135-saint bride 's church} . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert hailed a hansom at [the corner of [Farrington street]_{136-farrington street}]_{4342-the corner of farrington street} , and was rattled rapidly away across [tenantless Smithfield market]_{4343-tenantless smithfield market} , and into [a labyrinth of [dingy streets]_{4345-dingy streets} that brought [him]_173-robert out upon the broad grandeur of [Finsbury Pavement]_{137-finsbury pavement}]_{4344-a labyrinth of dingy streets that brought him out upon the broad grandeur of finsbury pavement} . The hansom rattled up the steep and stony approach to [Shoreditch Station]_{138-shoreditch station} , and deposited [Robert]_173-robert at the doors of [that unlovely temple]_{4346-that unlovely temple} . There were [very few people]_{4347-very few people} going to travel by [this midnight train]_{4348-this midnight train} , and [Robert]_173-robert walked up and down [the long wooden platform]_{4349-the long wooden platform} , reading the huge advertisements whose gaunt lettering looked wan and ghastly in the dim lamplight . [He]_173-robert had [the carriage]_{5171-the carriage} in which [he]_173-robert sat all to [himself]_173-robert . All to [himself]_173-robert did [I]_0-i say ? Had [he]_173-robert not lately summoned to [his]_173-robert side that ghostly company which of all companionship is the most tenacious ? The shadow of [George Talboys]_{181-george talboys} pursued [him]_173-robert , even in [the comfortable first - class carriage]_{4351-the comfortable first - class carriage} , and was behind [him]_173-robert when [he]_173-robert looked out of the window , and was yet far ahead of [him]_173-robert and the rushing engine , in that thicket toward which [the train]_{1957-the train} was speeding , by the side of [the unhallowed hiding - place in which the mortal remains of [the dead man]_{4354-the dead man} lay , neglected and uncared for]_{4353-the unhallowed hiding - place in which the mortal remains of the dead man lay , neglected and uncared for} . " [I]_173-robert must give [[my]_173-robert lost friend]_{6095-my lost friend} decent burial , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert thought , as the chill wind swept across [the flat landscape]_{4355-the flat landscape} , and struck [him]_173-robert with such frozen breath as might have emanated from the lips of the dead . " [I]_173-robert must do it ; or [I]_173-robert shall die of some panic like this which has seized upon [me]_173-robert to - night . [I]_173-robert must do it ; at any peril ; at any cost . Even at the price of that revelation which will bring [the mad woman]_{7690-the mad woman} back from [her]_{7690-the mad woman} safe hiding - place , and place [her]_{7690-the mad woman} in [a criminal dock]_{3180-a criminal dock} . "_[173-robert] [He]_173-robert was glad when [the train]_{1957-the train} stopped at [Brentwood]_65-brentwood at a few minutes after twelve . It was half - past one o'clock when [the night wanderer]_{4357-the night wanderer} entered [the village of [Audley]_{150-lady audley}]_{5372-the village of audley} , and it was only [there]_374-there that [he]_173-robert remembered that [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} had omitted to give [him]_173-robert any direction by which [he]_173-robert might find [the cottage in which [Luke Marks]_167-luke lay]_{4360-the cottage in which luke marks lay} . " It was [Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} who recommended that [the poor creature]_{8163-the poor creature} should be taken to [[[his]_{8163-the poor creature} mother]_{533-his mother} 's cottage]_{7625-his mother 's cottage} , "_{[256-clara talboys]} [Robert]_173-robert thought , by - and - by , " and , [I]_173-robert dare say . [Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} has attended [him]_{8163-the poor creature} ever since the fire . [He]_{151-mr. dawson} 'll be able to tell [me]_173-robert the way to [the cottage]_{5055-the cottage} . "_[173-robert] Acting upon this idea , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert stopped at [the house in which [Helen Talboys]_{179-helen talboys} had lived before [her]_{179-helen talboys} second marriage]_{4361-the house in which helen talboys had lived before her second marriage} . The door of [the little surgery]_{4362-the little surgery} was ajar , and there was a light burning within . [Robert]_173-robert pushed the door open and peeped in . [The surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} was standing at the mahogany counter , mixing a draught in a glass measure , with [his]_{508-the surgeon} hat close beside [him]_{508-the surgeon} . Late as it was , [he]_{508-the surgeon} had evidently only just come in . The harmonious snoring of [[his]_{508-the surgeon} assistant]_{4364-his assistant} sounded from [a little room within [the surgery]_{5701-the surgery}]_{4365-a little room within the surgery} . " [I]_173-robert am sorry to disturb [you]_{508-the surgeon} , [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert said , apologetically , as [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} looked up and recognized [him]_173-robert , " but [I]_173-robert have come down to see [Marks]_167-luke , who , [I]_173-robert hear , is in a very bad way , and [I]_173-robert want [you]_{508-the surgeon} to tell [me]_173-robert the way to [[[his]_167-luke mother]_{533-his mother} 's cottage]_{7625-his mother 's cottage} . "_[173-robert] " [I]_{508-the surgeon} 'll show [you]_{508-the surgeon} the way , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , "_{[508-the surgeon]} answered [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} , " [I]_{508-the surgeon} am going [there]_374-there this minute . "_{[508-the surgeon]} " [The man]_{634-the man} is very bad , then ? "_[173-robert] " So bad that [he]_{634-the man} can be no worse . The change that can happen is that change which will take [him]_{634-the man} beyond the reach of any earthly suffering . "_[173-robert] " Strange ! "_[173-robert] exclaimed [Robert]_173-robert . " [He]_{634-the man} did not appear to be much burned . "_[173-robert] " [He]_{634-the man} was not much burnt . Had [he]_{634-the man} been , [I]_173-robert should never have recommended [his]_{634-the man} being removed from [Mount Stanning]_{69-mount stanning} . It is the shock that has done the business . [He]_{634-the man} has been in a raging fever for the last two days ; but to - night [he]_{634-the man} is much calmer , and [I]_173-robert 'm afraid , before to - morrow night , [we]_8171-we shall have seen the last of [him]_{634-the man} . "_[173-robert] " [He]_{634-the man} has asked to see [me]_173-robert , [I]_173-robert am told , "_[173-robert] said [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . " Yes , "_{[508-the surgeon]} answered [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} , carelessly . " [A sick man]_{8172-a sick man} 's fancy , no doubt . [You]_{151-mr. dawson} dragged [him]_{634-the man} out of [the house]_{388-the house} , and did [your]_{151-mr. dawson} best to save [his]_{634-the man} life . [I]_{508-the surgeon} dare say , rough and boorish as [the poor fellow]_{5680-the poor fellow} is , [he]_{634-the man} thinks a good deal of that . "_{[508-the surgeon]} [They]_4370-they had left [the surgery]_{5701-the surgery} , the door of which [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} had locked behind [him]_{151-mr. dawson} . There was money in [the till]_{4372-the till} , perhaps , for surely [the village apothecary]_{4373-the village apothecary} could not have feared that [the most daring housebreaker]_{4374-the most daring housebreaker} would imperil [his]_{151-mr. dawson} liberty in the pursuit of blue pill and colocynth , of [salts and senna]_{4375-salts and senna} . [The surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} led the way along [the silent street]_{4377-the silent street} , and presently turned into [a lane at the end of which [Robert Audley]_173-robert]_{4378-a lane at the end of which robert audley} saw the wan glimmer of a light ; a light which told of the watch that is kept by [the sick and dying]_{4379-the sick and dying} ; a pale , melancholy light , which always has a dismal aspect when looked upon in this silent hour betwixt night and morning . It shone from the window of [the cottage in which [Luke Marks]_167-luke]_{4380-the cottage in which luke marks} lay , watched by [[his]_167-luke wife]_{554-his wife} and [mother]_7130-mother . [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} lifted the latch , and walked into [the common room of [the little tenement]_{4384-the little tenement}]_{4383-the common room of the little tenement} , followed by [Robert Audley]_173-robert . [It]_{4383-the common room of the little tenement} was empty , but a feeble tallow candle , with a broken back , and a long , cauliflower - headed wick , sputtered upon the table . [The sick man]_{6531-the sick man} lay in [the room]_{595-the room} above . " Shall [I]_{151-mr. dawson} tell [him]_{6531-the sick man} [you]_{151-mr. dawson} are here ? "_{[151-mr. dawson]} asked [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} . " Yes , yes , if [you]_{151-mr. dawson} please . But be cautious how [you]_{151-mr. dawson} tell [him]_{6531-the sick man} , if [you]_{151-mr. dawson} think the news likely to agitate [him]_{6531-the sick man} . [I]_{151-mr. dawson} am in no hurry . [I]_{151-mr. dawson} can wait . [You]_{151-mr. dawson} can call [me]_{151-mr. dawson} when [you]_{151-mr. dawson} think [I]_{151-mr. dawson} can safely come up - [stairs]_5306-stairs . "_{[151-mr. dawson]} [The surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} nodded , and softly ascended the narrow wooden stairs leading to [the upper chamber]_{4388-the upper chamber} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert seated [himself]_173-robert in a Windsor chair by the cold hearth - stone , and stared disconsolately about [him]_173-robert . But [he]_173-robert was relieved at last by the low voice of [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} , who looked down from the top of the little staircase to tell [him]_173-robert that [Luke Marks]_167-luke was awake , and would be glad to see [him]_167-luke . [Robert]_173-robert immediately obeyed this summons . [He]_173-robert crept softly up the stairs , and took off [his]_173-robert hat before [he]_173-robert bent [his]_173-robert head to enter at the low doorway of [the humble rustic chamber]_{4390-the humble rustic chamber} . [He]_173-robert took off [his]_173-robert hat in the presence of [this common peasant man]_{4391-this common peasant man} , because [he]_173-robert knew that there was [another and a more awful presence]_{4392-another and a more awful presence} hovering about [the room]_{595-the room} , and eager to be admitted . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe was sitting at the foot of the bed , with [her]_166-phoebe eyes fixed upon [[her]_166-phoebe husband]_{469-her husband} 's face — not with any very tender expression in the pale light , but with a sharp , terrified anxiety , which showed that it was the coming of death itself that [she]_166-phoebe dreaded , rather than the loss of [[her]_166-phoebe husband]_{469-her husband} . [The old woman]_{524-the old woman} was busy at the fire - place , airing linen , and preparing some mess of broth which it was not likely [the patient]_{6552-the patient} would ever eat . [The sick man]_{6531-the sick man} lay with [his]_{6531-the sick man} head propped up by pillows , [his]_{6531-the sick man} coarse face deadly pale , and [his]_{6531-the sick man} great hands wandering uneasily about the coverlet . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe had been reading to [him]_{6531-the sick man} , for an open Testament lay among the medicine and lotion bottles upon the table near the bed . Every object in [the room]_{595-the room} was neat and orderly , and bore witness of that delicate precision which had always been a distinguishing characteristic of [Phoebe]_166-phoebe . [The young woman]_{4400-the young woman} rose as [Robert Audley]_173-robert crossed the threshold , and hurried toward [him]_{6531-the sick man} . " Let [me]_{4400-the young woman} speak to [you]_{6531-the sick man} for a moment , [sir]_900-sir , before [you]_{6531-the sick man} talk to [Luke]_167-luke , "_{[4400-the young woman]} [she]_{4400-the young woman} said , in an eager whisper . " Pray let [me]_{4400-the young woman} speak to [you]_{6531-the sick man} first . "_{[4400-the young woman]} " What 's [the gal]_{8177-the gal} a - sayin ' , there ? "_{[7311-the invalid]} asked [the invalid]_{7311-the invalid} in a subdued roar , which died away hoarsely on [his]_{6531-the sick man} lips . [He]_{6531-the sick man} was feebly savage , even in [his]_{6531-the sick man} weakness . The dull glaze of death was gathering over [his]_{6531-the sick man} eyes , but [they]_4402-they still watched [Phoebe]_166-phoebe with a sharp glance of dissatisfaction . " What 's [she]_{8177-the gal} up to [there]_374-there ? "_{[6531-the sick man]} [he]_{6531-the sick man} said . " [I]_{6531-the sick man} wo n't have no plottin ' and no hatchin ' agen [me]_{6531-the sick man} . [I]_{6531-the sick man} want to speak to [Mr. Audley]_173-robert [[my]_{6531-the sick man} own self]_{8179-my own self} ; and whatever [I]_{6531-the sick man} done [I]_{6531-the sick man} 'm goin' to answer for . If [I]_{6531-the sick man} done any mischief , [I]_{6531-the sick man} 'm a - goin' to try and undo it . What 's [she]_{8177-the gal} a - sayin ' ? "_{[6531-the sick man]} " [She]_{8177-the gal} ai n't a - sayin ' nothin' , [lovey]_8180-lovey , "_{[524-the old woman]} answered [the old woman]_{524-the old woman} , going to the bedside of [[her]_{524-the old woman} son]_{4404-her son} , who even when made more interesting than usual by illness , did not seem a very fit subject for this tender appellation . " [She]_{8177-the gal} 's only a - tellin ' [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} how bad [you]_8180-lovey 've been , [[my]_{524-the old woman} pretty]_{8182-my pretty} . "_{[524-the old woman]} " What [I]_{358-mr. mark} 'm a - goin' to tell [I]_{358-mr. mark} 'm only a - goin' to tell to [him]_{4994-the gentleman} , remember , "_{[358-mr. mark]} growled [Mr. Mark]_{358-mr. mark} ; " and ketch [me]_{358-mr. mark} a - tellin ' of it to [him]_{4994-the gentleman} if it warn't for what [he]_{4994-the gentleman} done for [me]_{358-mr. mark} the other night . "_{[358-mr. mark]} " To be sure not , [lovey]_8180-lovey , "_{[524-the old woman]} answered [the old woman]_{524-the old woman} soothingly . [Phoebe Marks]_166-phoebe had drawn [Mr. Audley]_173-robert out of [the room]_{595-the room} and onto [the narrow landing at the top of the little staircase]_{4407-the narrow landing at the top of the little staircase} . [This landing]_{4408-this landing} was a platform of about three feet square , and it was as much as [the two]_{4409-the two} could manage to stand upon [it]_{4408-this landing} without pushing [each other]_{4890-each other} against the whitewashed wall , or backward down the stairs . " Oh , [sir]_900-sir , [I]_166-phoebe wanted to speak to [you]_900-sir so badly , "_[166-phoebe] [Phoebe]_166-phoebe answered , eagerly ; " [you]_900-sir know what [I]_166-phoebe told [you]_900-sir when [I]_166-phoebe found [you]_900-sir safe and well upon the night of the fire ? "_[166-phoebe] " Yes , yes . "_[167-luke] " [I]_167-luke told [you]_900-sir what [I]_167-luke suspected ; what [I]_167-luke think still . "_[167-luke] " Yes , [I]_166-phoebe remember . "_[166-phoebe] " But [I]_167-luke never breathed a word of it to [anybody]_706-anybody but [you]_900-sir , [sir]_900-sir , and [I]_167-luke think that [Luke]_167-luke has forgotten all about that night ; [I]_167-luke think that what went before the fire has gone clean out of [his]_167-luke head altogether . [He]_167-luke was tipsy , [you]_900-sir know , when [[my]_167-luke la]_{8187-my la} — when [she]_{8187-my la} came to [the Castle]_{4914-the castle} ; and [I]_167-luke think [he]_167-luke was so dazed and scared like by the fire that it all went out of [his]_167-luke memory . [He]_167-luke does n't suspect what [I]_167-luke suspect , at any rate , or [he]_167-luke 'd have spoken of it to [anybody]_706-anybody or [everybody]_{632-everybody} ; but [he]_167-luke 's dreadful spiteful against [[my]_167-luke lady]_{468-my lady} , for [he]_167-luke says if [she]_{468-my lady} 'd have let [him]_167-luke have a place at [Brentwood]_65-brentwood or [Chelmsford]_{38-chelmsford} , this would n't have happened . So what [I]_167-luke wanted to beg of [you]_167-luke , [sir]_900-sir , is not to let a word drop before [Luke]_167-luke . "_[167-luke] " Yes , yes , [I]_167-luke understand ; [I]_167-luke will be careful . "_[167-luke] " [[My]_167-luke lady]_{468-my lady} has left [the Court]_{373-the court} , [I]_167-luke hear , [sir]_900-sir ? "_[167-luke] " Yes . "_[167-luke] " Never to come back , [sir]_900-sir ? "_[167-luke] " Never to come back . "_[167-luke] " But [she]_{468-my lady} has not gone where [she]_{468-my lady} 'll be cruelly treated ; where [she]_{468-my lady} 'll be ill - used ? "_[167-luke] " No : [she]_{468-my lady} will be very kindly treated . "_[167-luke] " [I]_167-luke 'm glad of that , [sir]_900-sir ; [I]_167-luke beg [your]_900-sir pardon for troubling [you]_900-sir with the question , [sir]_900-sir , but [[my]_167-luke lady]_{468-my lady} was [a kind mistress to [me]_167-luke]_{8200-a kind mistress to me} . "_[167-luke] [Luke]_167-luke 's voice , husky and feeble , was heard within [the little chamber]_{8033-the little chamber} at this period of the conversation , demanding angrily when " [that gal]_{8201-that gal} would have done jawing ; "_[166-phoebe] upon which [Phoebe]_166-phoebe put [her]_166-phoebe finger to [her]_166-phoebe lips , and led [Mr. Audley]_173-robert back into [the sick - room]_{4412-the sick - room} . " [I]_167-luke do n't want [you]_{554-his wife} "_[167-luke] said [Mr. Marks]_167-luke , decisively , as [[his]_167-luke wife]_{554-his wife} re - entered [the chamber—"I]_{8202-the chamber—"i} do n't want [you]_{554-his wife} ; [you]_{554-his wife} 've no call to hear what [I]_{6531-the sick man} 've got to say — [I]_{6531-the sick man} only want [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , and [I]_{6531-the sick man} wants to speak to [him]_173-robert all alone , with none o ' [your]_{554-his wife} sneakin ' listenin ' at doors , d'ye hear ? so [you]_{554-his wife} may go down - [stairs]_5306-stairs and keep there till [you]_{554-his wife} 're wanted ; and [you]_{554-his wife} may take [mother]_7130-mother — no , [mother]_7130-mother may stay , [I]_{6531-the sick man} shall want [her]_7130-mother presently . "_{[6531-the sick man]} [The sick man]_{6531-the sick man} 's feeble hand pointed to the door , through which [[his]_167-luke wife]_{554-his wife} departed very submissively . " [I]_{554-his wife} 've no wish to hear anything , [Luke]_167-luke , "_{[554-his wife]} [she]_{554-his wife} said , " but [I]_{554-his wife} hope [you]_167-luke wo n't say anything against those that have been good and generous to [you]_167-luke . "_{[554-his wife]} " [I]_167-luke shall say what [I]_167-luke like , "_[167-luke] answered [Mr. Marks]_167-luke , fiercely , " and [I]_167-luke 'm not a - goin' to be ordered by [you]_167-luke . [You]_167-luke ai n't [the parson]_{8206-the parson} , as [I]_167-luke 've ever heerd of ; nor [the lawyer]_{8207-the lawyer} neither . "_[167-luke] [The landlord of [the Castle Inn]_{1595-the castle inn}]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} had undergone no moral transformation by [his]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} death - bed sufferings , fierce and rapid as they had been . Perhaps some faint glimmer of a light that had been far off from [his]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} life now struggled feebly through the black obscurities of ignorance that darkened [his]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} soul . Perhaps [a half angry , half sullen penitence]_{4418-a half angry , half sullen penitence} urged [him]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} to make some rugged effort to atone for a life that had been selfish and drunken and wicked . Be it how it might [he]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} wiped [his]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} white lips , and turning [his]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} haggard eyes earnestly upon [Robert Audley]_173-robert , pointed to a chair by the bedside . " [You]_173-robert made game of [me]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} in a general way , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , "_{[1606-the landlord of the castle inn]} [he]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} said , presently , " and [you]_173-robert 've drawed [me]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} out , and [you]_173-robert 've tumbled and tossed [me]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} about like in a gentlemanly way , till [I]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} was nothink or anythink in [your]_173-robert hands ; and [you]_173-robert 've looked [me]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} through and through , and turned [me]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} inside out till [you]_173-robert thought [you]_173-robert knowed as much as [I]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} knowed . [I]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} 'd no particular call to be grateful to [you]_173-robert , not before the fire at [the Castle]_{113-the castle} t'other night . But [I]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} am grateful to [you]_173-robert for that . [I]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} 'm not grateful to [folks]_5867-folks in a general way , p'r'aps , because the things as [gentlefolks]_{8209-gentlefolks} have give have a'most allus been the very things [I]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} did n't want . [They]_{8209-gentlefolks} 've give [me]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} soup , and tracks , and flannel , and coals ; but , [Lord]_8210-lord , [they]_{8209-gentlefolks} 've made such a precious noise about it that [I]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} 'd have been to send ['em]_8211-'em all back to ['em]_8211-'em . But when [a gentleman]_{4644-a gentleman} goes and puts [his]_{4644-a gentleman} own life in danger to save [a drunken brute like [me]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn}]_{8213-a drunken brute like me} , [the drunkenest brute as ever]_{8214-the drunkenest brute as ever} was feels grateful like to [that gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} , and wishes to say before [he]_{4644-a gentleman} dies — which [he]_{4644-a gentleman} sees in [the doctor]_{7600-the doctor} 's face as [he]_{4644-a gentleman} ai n't got long to live—'Thank [ye]_{667-the young man} , [sir]_900-sir , [I]_{1606-the landlord of the castle inn} 'm obliged to [you]_900-sir . "_{[1606-the landlord of the castle inn]} [Luke Marks]_167-luke stretched out [his]_167-luke left hand — the right hand had been injured by the fire , and was wrapped in linen — and groped feebly for that of [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert . [The young man]_{667-the young man} took the coarse but shrunken hand in both [his]_167-luke own , and pressed it cordially . " [I]_{667-the young man} need no thanks , [Luke Marks]_167-luke , "_{[667-the young man]} [he]_{667-the young man} said ; " [I]_{667-the young man} was very glad to be of service to [you]_167-luke . "_{[667-the young man]} [Mr. Marks]_167-luke did not speak immediately . [He]_{667-the young man} was lying quietly upon [his]_{667-the young man} side , staring reflectingly at [Robert Audley]_173-robert . " [You]_167-luke was oncommon fond of [that gent]_{8218-that gent} as disappeared at [the Court]_{373-the court} , warn't [you]_167-luke , [sir]_900-sir ? "_{[667-the young man]} [he]_{667-the young man} said at last . [Robert]_173-robert started at the mention of [[his]_173-robert dead friend]_{8125-his dead friend} . " [You]_167-luke was oncommon fond of that [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , [I]_167-luke 've heard say , [sir]_900-sir , "_[167-luke] repeated [Luke]_167-luke . " Yes , yes , "_[173-robert] answered [Robert]_173-robert , rather impatiently , " [he]_157-george was [[my]_173-robert very dear friend]_{6290-my very dear friend} . "_[173-robert] " [I]_167-luke 've heard [the servants at [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{8223-the servants at the court} say how [you]_167-luke took on when [you]_167-luke could n't find [him]_157-george . [I]_167-luke 've heered [the landlord of [the Sun Inn]_{5106-the sun inn}]_{5268-the landlord of the sun inn} say how cut up [you]_167-luke was when [you]_167-luke first missed [him]_157-george . ' If [the two gents]_{8227-the two gents} had been [brothers]_{1431-brothers} , ' [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} said , ' [[our]_{8227-the two gents} gent]_{8230-our gent} , ' meanin ' [you]_167-luke , [sir]_900-sir , ' could n't have been more cut up when [he]_157-george missed the other . ' "_[167-luke] " Yes , yes , [I]_173-robert know , [I]_173-robert know , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert ; " pray do not speak any more of this subject . [I]_173-robert can not tell [you]_{6531-the sick man} how much it distresses [me]_173-robert . "_[173-robert] Was [he]_173-robert to be haunted forever by [the ghost of [[his]_173-robert unburied friend]_{4422-his unburied friend}]_{4421-the ghost of his unburied friend} ? [He]_173-robert came here to comfort [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} , and even here [he]_173-robert was pursued by this relentless shadow ; even here [he]_173-robert was reminded of the secret crime which had darkened [his]_173-robert life . " Listen to [me]_173-robert , [Marks]_167-luke , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , earnestly ; " believe [me]_173-robert that [I]_173-robert appreciate [your]_167-luke grateful words , and that [I]_173-robert am very glad to have been of service to [you]_167-luke . But before [you]_167-luke say anything more , let [me]_173-robert make one most solemn request . If [you]_167-luke have sent for [me]_173-robert that [you]_167-luke may tell [me]_173-robert anything of the fate of [[my]_173-robert lost friend]_{6095-my lost friend} , [I]_173-robert entreat [you]_167-luke to spare [yourself]_167-luke and to spare [me]_173-robert that horrible story . [You]_167-luke can tell [me]_173-robert nothing which [I]_173-robert do not already know . The worst [you]_167-luke can tell [me]_173-robert of [the woman who was once in [your]_167-luke power]_{8233-the woman who was once in your power} , has already been revealed to [me]_173-robert by [her]_{8233-the woman who was once in your power} own lips . Pray , then , be silent upon this subject ; [I]_173-robert say again , [you]_167-luke can tell [me]_173-robert nothing which [I]_173-robert do not know . "_[173-robert] [Luke Marks]_167-luke looked musingly at the earnest face of [[his]_167-luke visitor]_{1368-his visitor} , and some shadowy expression , which was almost like a smile , flitted feebly across [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} 's haggard features . " [I]_167-luke ca n't tell [you]_167-luke nothin' [you]_167-luke do n't know ? "_[167-luke] [he]_167-luke asked . " Nothing . "_[167-luke] " Then it ai n't no good for [me]_{7311-the invalid} to try , "_{[7311-the invalid]} said [the invalid]_{7311-the invalid} , thoughtfully . " Did [she]_{8233-the woman who was once in your power} tell [you]_167-luke ? "_{[7311-the invalid]} [he]_{7311-the invalid} asked , after a pause . " [I]_{7311-the invalid} must beg , [Marks]_167-luke , that [you]_167-luke will drop the subject , "_{[7311-the invalid]} [Robert]_173-robert answered , almost sternly . " [I]_{7311-the invalid} have already told [you]_167-luke that [I]_{7311-the invalid} do not wish to hear it spoken of . Whatever discoveries [you]_167-luke made , [you]_167-luke made [your]_167-luke market out of them . Whatever guilty secrets [you]_167-luke got possession of , [you]_167-luke were paid for keeping silence . [You]_167-luke had better keep silence to the end . "_{[7311-the invalid]} " Had [I]_167-luke ? "_[167-luke] cried [Luke Marks]_167-luke , in an eager whisper . " Had [I]_167-luke really now better hold [my]_167-luke tongue to the last ? "_[167-luke] " [I]_{7311-the invalid} think so , most decidedly . [You]_167-luke traded on [your]_167-luke secret , and [you]_167-luke were paid to keep it . It would be more honest to hold to [your]_167-luke bargain , and keep it still . "_{[7311-the invalid]} " Would it now ? "_[167-luke] said [Mr. Marks]_167-luke with a ghastly grin ; " but suppose [[my]_167-luke lady]_{468-my lady} had one secret and [I]_167-luke another . How then ? "_[167-luke] " What do [you]_167-luke mean ? "_{[7311-the invalid]} " Suppose [I]_{7311-the invalid} could have told something all along ; and would have told it , perhaps , if [I]_{7311-the invalid} 'd been a little better treated ; if what was give to [me]_{7311-the invalid} had been give a little more liberal like , and not flung at [me]_{7311-the invalid} as if [I]_{7311-the invalid} was a dog , and was only give it to be kep ' from bitin ' . Suppose [I]_{7311-the invalid} could have told somethin' , and would have told it but for that ? How then ? "_{[7311-the invalid]} It was impossible to describe the ghastliness of the triumphant grin that lighted up [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} 's haggard face . " [His]_{6531-the sick man} mind is wandering , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert thought ; " [I]_173-robert had need be patient with [him]_{6531-the sick man} , [poor fellow]_{2917-poor fellow} . It would be strange if [I]_173-robert could not be patient with [a dying man]_{8236-a dying man} . "_[173-robert] [Luke marks]_167-luke lay staring at [Mr. Audley]_173-robert for some moments with that triumphant grin upon [his]_{6531-the sick man} face . [The old woman]_{524-the old woman} , wearied out with watching [[her]_{524-the old woman} dying son]_{4429-her dying son} , had dropped into a doze , and sat nodding [her]_{524-the old woman} sharp chin over the handful of fire , upon which the broth that was never to be eaten , still bubbled and simmered . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert waited very patiently until it should be [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} 's pleasure to speak . Every sound was painfully distinct in that dead hour of the night . The dropping of the ashes on the hearth , the ominous crackling of the burning coals , the slow and ponderous ticking of the sulky clock in [the room]_{595-the room} below , the low moaning of the March wind ( which might have been the voice of [an English Banshee]_{4432-an english banshee} , screaming [her]_{4432-an english banshee} dismal warning to [the watchers of the dying]_{4433-the watchers of the dying} ) , the hoarse breathing of [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} -- every sound held itself apart from all other sounds , and made itself into a separate voice , loud with a gloomy portent in the solemn stillness of [the house]_{388-the house} . [Robert]_173-robert sat with [his]_173-robert face shaded by [his]_173-robert hands , thinking what was to become of [him]_173-robert now that the secret of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} 's fate had been told , and the dark story of [George Talboys]_157-george and [[his]_157-george wicked wife]_{4437-his wicked wife} had been finished in [the Belgian mad - house]_{4438-the belgian mad - house} . What was to become of [him]_173-robert ? [He]_173-robert had no claim upon [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} ; for [he]_173-robert had resolved to keep the horrible secret that had been told to [him]_173-robert . How then could [he]_173-robert dare to meet [her]_{256-clara talboys} with that secret held back fom [her]_{256-clara talboys} ? How could [he]_173-robert ever look into [her]_{256-clara talboys} earnest eyes , and yet withhold the truth ? [He]_173-robert felt that all power of reservation would fail before the searching glance of those calm brown eyes . If [he]_173-robert was indeed to keep this secret [he]_173-robert must never see [her]_{256-clara talboys} again . To reveal it would be to embitter [her]_{256-clara talboys} life . Could [he]_173-robert , for any selfish motive of [his]_173-robert own , tell [her]_{256-clara talboys} this terrible story?--or could [he]_173-robert think that if [he]_173-robert told [her]_{256-clara talboys} [she]_{256-clara talboys} would suffer [[her]_{256-clara talboys} murdered brother]_{4439-her murdered brother} to lie unavenged and forgotten in [[his]_{4439-her murdered brother} unhallowed grave]_{4440-his unhallowed grave} ? Hemmed in on every side by difficulties which seemed utterly insumountable ; with the easy temperament which was natural to [him]_173-robert embittered by the gloomy burden [he]_173-robert had borne so long , [Robert Audley]_173-robert looked hopelessly forward to the life which lay before [him]_173-robert , and thought that it would have been better for [him]_173-robert had [he]_173-robert perished among [the burning ruins of [the Castle Inn]_{54-the castle inn}]_{4441-the burning ruins of the castle inn} . " Who would have been sorry for [me]_173-robert ? [No one]_{507-no one} but [[my]_173-robert poor little [Alicia]_149-alicia]_{5757-my poor little alicia} , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert thought , " and [hers]_149-alicia would have only been an April sorrow . Would [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} have been sorry ? No ! [She]_{256-clara talboys} would have only regretted [me]_173-robert as a lost link in the mystery of [[her]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6760-her brother} 's death . [She]_{256-clara talboys} would only-- "_[173-robert] [Heaven]_201-heaven knows whither [Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's thoughts might have wandered had [he]_173-robert not been startled by a sudden movement of [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} , who raised [himself]_{6531-the sick man} up in [his]_{6531-the sick man} bed , and called to [[his]_{6531-the sick man} mother]_{533-his mother} . [The old woman]_{524-the old woman} woke up with a jerk , and turned sleepily enough to look at [[her]_{524-the old woman} son]_{4404-her son} . " What is it , [Luke]_167-luke , [deary]_8240-deary ? "_{[524-the old woman]} [she]_{524-the old woman} asked soothingly . " It ai n't time for [the doctor]_{7600-the doctor} 's stuff yet . [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} said as [you]_167-luke were n't to have it till two hours after [he]_{6531-the sick man} went away , and [he]_{6531-the sick man} ai n't been gone an hour yet . "_{[524-the old woman]} " Who said it was [the doctor]_{7600-the doctor} 's stuff [I]_167-luke wanted ? "_[167-luke] cried [Mr. Marks]_167-luke , impatiently . " [I]_173-robert want to ask [you]_{524-the old woman} something , [mother]_7130-mother . Do [you]_{524-the old woman} remember the seventh of last September ? "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert started , and looked eagerly at [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} . Why did [he]_173-robert harp upon this forbidden subject ? Why did [he]_173-robert insist upon recalling the date of [George]_157-george 's murder ? [The old woman]_{524-the old woman} shook [her]_{524-the old woman} head in feeble confusion of mind . " Lord , [Luke]_167-luke , "_{[524-the old woman]} [she]_{524-the old woman} said , " how can'ee ask [me]_{524-the old woman} such questions ? [My]_{524-the old woman} memory 's been a failin ' [me]_{524-the old woman} this eight or nine year ; and [I]_{524-the old woman} never was one to remember the days of the month , or aught o ' that sort . How should [a poor workin ' woman]_{8244-a poor workin ' woman} remember such things . "_{[524-the old woman]} [Luke Marks]_167-luke shrugged [his]_167-luke shoulders impatiently . " [You]_{524-the old woman} 're [a good un]_{8245-a good un} to do what 's asked [you]_{524-the old woman} , [mother]_7130-mother , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , peevishly . " Did n't [I]_173-robert tell [you]_{524-the old woman} to rememer that day ? Did n't [I]_173-robert tell [you]_{524-the old woman} as the time might come when [you]_{524-the old woman} 'd be called upon to bear witness about it , and put upon [your]_{524-the old woman} Bible oath about it ? Did n't [I]_173-robert tell [you]_{524-the old woman} that , [mother]_7130-mother ? "_[173-robert] [The old woman]_{524-the old woman} shook [her]_{524-the old woman} head hopelessly . " If [you]_173-robert say so , [I]_{524-the old woman} make no doubt [you]_173-robert did , [Luke]_167-luke , "_{[524-the old woman]} [she]_{524-the old woman} said , with a conciliatory smile ; " but [I]_{524-the old woman} ca n't call it to mind , lovey . [My]_{524-the old woman} memory 's been failin ' [me]_{524-the old woman} this nine yaer , [sir]_900-sir , "_{[524-the old woman]} [she]_{524-the old woman} added , turning to [Robert Audley]_173-robert , " and [I]_173-robert 'm but [a poor crittur]_{8249-a poor crittur} . "_[173-robert] [Mr. Audley]_173-robert laid [his]_173-robert hand upon [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} 's arm . " [Marks]_167-luke , "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert said , " [I]_173-robert tell [you]_167-luke again , [you]_167-luke have no cause to worry [yourself]_167-luke about this matter . [I]_173-robert ask [you]_167-luke no questions , [I]_173-robert have no wish to hear anything . "_[173-robert] " But , suppose [I]_167-luke want to tell something , "_[167-luke] cried [Luke]_167-luke , with feverish energy , " suppose [I]_167-luke feel [I]_167-luke ca n't die with a secret on [my]_167-luke mind , and have asked to see [you]_167-luke on purpose that [I]_167-luke might tell [you]_167-luke ; suppose that , and [you]_167-luke 'll suppose nothing but the truth . [I]_167-luke 'd have been burnt alive before [I]_167-luke 'd have told [her]_8250-her . "_[167-luke] [He]_167-luke spoke these words between [his]_167-luke set teeth , and scowled savagely as [he]_167-luke uttered them . " [I]_167-luke 'd have been burnt alive first . [I]_167-luke made [her]_8250-her pay for [her]_8250-her pretty insolent ways ; [I]_167-luke made [her]_8250-her pay for [her]_8250-her airs and graces ; [I]_167-luke 'd never have told [her]_8250-her — never , never ! [I]_167-luke had [my]_167-luke power over [her]_8250-her , and [I]_167-luke kept it ; [I]_167-luke had [my]_167-luke secret and was paid for it ; and there was n't a petty slight as [she]_8250-her ever put upon [me]_167-luke or [mine]_167-luke that [I]_167-luke did n't pay [her]_8250-her out for twenty times over ! "_[167-luke] " [Marks]_167-luke , [Marks]_167-luke , for Heaven 's sake be calm , "_[173-robert] said [Robert]_173-robert , earnestly . " What are [you]_167-luke talking of ? What is it that [you]_167-luke could have told ? "_[173-robert] " [I]_167-luke 'm a - goin to tell [you]_{524-the old woman} , "_[167-luke] answered [Luke]_167-luke , wiping [his]_167-luke lips . " Give [us]_8251-us a drink , [mother]_7130-mother . "_[167-luke] [The old woman]_{524-the old woman} poured out some cooling drink into a mug , and carried it to [[her]_{524-the old woman} son]_{4404-her son} . [He]_{4404-her son} drank it in an eager hurry , as if [he]_{4404-her son} felt that the brief remainder of [his]_{4404-her son} life must be a race with the pitiless pedestrian , Time . " Stop where [you]_{533-his mother} are , "_{[4404-her son]} [he]_{4404-her son} said to [[his]_{4404-her son} mother]_{533-his mother} , pointing to a chair at the foot of the bed . [The old woman]_{524-the old woman} obeyed , and seated [herself]_{524-the old woman} meekly opposite to [Mr. Audley]_173-robert . " [I]_167-luke 'll ask [you]_{533-his mother} another question , [mother]_7130-mother , "_[167-luke] said [Luke]_167-luke , " and [I]_167-luke think it 'll be strange if [you]_{533-his mother} ca n't answer it . Do [you]_{533-his mother} remember when [I]_167-luke was at work upon [[Atkinson]_359-atkinson 's farm]_{8254-atkinson 's farm} ; before [I]_167-luke was married [you]_{533-his mother} know , and when [I]_167-luke was livin ' down here along of [you]_{533-his mother} ? "_[167-luke] " Yes , yes , "_{[221-mrs. marks]} [Mrs. Marks]_{221-mrs. marks} answered , nodding triumphantly , " [I]_{221-mrs. marks} remember that , [[my]_{221-mrs. marks} dear]_{4626-my dear} . It were last fall , just about as the apples was bein ' gathered in [the orchard]_{449-the orchard} across [[our]_8257-our lane]_{8258-our lane} , and about the time as [you]_{4626-my dear} had [your]_{4626-my dear} new sprigged wesket . [I]_{221-mrs. marks} remember , [Luke]_167-luke , [I]_{221-mrs. marks} remember . "_{[221-mrs. marks]} [Mr. Audley]_173-robert wondered where all this was to lead to , and how long [he]_173-robert would have to sit by [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} 's bed , hearing a conversation that had no meaning to [him]_173-robert . " If [you]_{533-his mother} remember that much , maybe [you]_{533-his mother} 'll remember more , [mother]_7130-mother , "_[167-luke] said [Luke]_167-luke . " Can [you]_{533-his mother} call to mind [my]_167-luke bringing [some one]_{3325-some one} [home]_479-home here one night , while [Atkinsons]_{360-atkinsons} was stackin ' the last o ' [their]_{360-atkinsons} corn ? "_[167-luke] Once more [Mr. Audley]_173-robert started violently , and this time [he]_173-robert looked up earnestly at the face of [the speaker]_{4906-the speaker} , and listened , with a strange , breathless interest , that [he]_173-robert scarcely understood [himself]_173-robert , to what [Luke Marks]_167-luke was saying . " [I]_{524-the old woman} rek'lect [your]_173-robert bringing [home]_479-home [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , "_{[524-the old woman]} [the old woman]_{524-the old woman} answered , with great animation . " [I]_{524-the old woman} rek'lect [your]_173-robert bringin ' [Phoebe]_166-phoebe [home]_479-home to take a cup o ' tea , or a little snack o ' supper , a mort o ' times . "_{[524-the old woman]} " [Bother Phoebe]_{361-bother phoebe} , "_[167-luke] cried [Mr. Marks]_167-luke , " who 's a talkin ' of [Phoebe]_166-phoebe ? What 's [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , that [anybody]_706-anybody should go to put theirselves out about [her]_166-phoebe ? Do [you]_{524-the old woman} remember [my]_167-luke bringin ' [home]_479-home [a gentleman]_{4644-a gentleman} after ten o'clock , one September night ; [a gentleman as was wet through to the skin , and was covered with mud and slush , and green slime and black muck]_{8267-a gentleman as was wet through to the skin , and was covered with mud and slush , and green slime and black muck} , from the crown of [his]_{4644-a gentleman} head to the sole of [his]_{4644-a gentleman} foot , and had [his]_{4644-a gentleman} arm broke , and [his]_{4644-a gentleman} shoulder swelled up awful ; and was such a objeck that [nobody]_566-nobody would ha ' knowed [him]_{4644-a gentleman} ; [a gentleman as]_{8269-a gentleman as} had to have [his]_{4644-a gentleman} clothes cut off [him]_{4644-a gentleman} in some places , and as sat by the kitchen fire , starin ' at the coals as if [he]_{4644-a gentleman} had gone mad or stupid - like , and did n't know where [he]_{4644-a gentleman} was , or who [he]_{4644-a gentleman} was ; and as had to be cared for like [a baby]_{4838-a baby} , and dressed , and dried , and washed , and fed with spoonfuls of brandy , that had to be forced between [his]_{4644-a gentleman} locked teeth , before any life could be got into [him]_{4644-a gentleman} ? Do [you]_{524-the old woman} remember that , [mother]_7130-mother ? "_[167-luke] [The old woman]_{524-the old woman} nodded , and muttered something to the effect that [she]_{524-the old woman} remembered all these circumstances most vividly , now that [Luke]_167-luke happened to mention them . [Robert Audley]_173-robert uttered a wild cry , and fell down upon [his]_173-robert knees by the side of [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} 's bed . " [[My]_173-robert God]_{5536-my god} ! "_[173-robert] [he]_173-robert ejaculated , " [I]_173-robert think [Thee]_{5536-my god} for [Thy]_{5536-my god} wondrous mercies . [George Talboys]_157-george is alive ! "_[173-robert] " Wait a bit , "_[167-luke] said [Mr. Marks]_167-luke , " do n't [you]_{524-the old woman} be too fast . [Mother]_7130-mother , give [us]_8274-us down that tin box on the shelf over against the chest of drawers , will [you]_{524-the old woman} ? "_[167-luke] [The old woman]_{524-the old woman} obeyed , and after fumbling among broken teacups and milk - jugs , lidless wooden cotton - boxes , and a miscellaneous litter of rags and crockery , produced a tin snuff - box with a sliding lid ; a shabby , dirty - looking box enough . [Robert Audley]_173-robert still knelt by the bedside with [his]_173-robert face hidden by [his]_173-robert clasped hands . [Luke Marks]_167-luke opened the tin box . " There ai n't no money in it , more 's the pity , "_[167-luke] [he]_167-luke said , " or if there had been it would n't have been let stop very long . But there 's summat in it that perhaps [you]_{524-the old woman} 'll think quite as valliable as money , and that 's what [I]_167-luke 'm goin' to give [you]_{524-the old woman} as a proof that [a drunken brute]_{8275-a drunken brute} can feel thankful to [them]_8274-us as is kind to [him]_{8275-a drunken brute} . "_[167-luke] [He]_167-luke took out two folded papers , which [he]_167-luke gave into [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's hands . They were two leaves torn out of a pocket - book , and they were written upon in pencil , and in a handwriting that was quite strange to [Mr. Audley]_173-robert — a cramped , stiff , and yet scrawling hand , such as [some plowman]_{4460-some plowman} might have written . " [I]_173-robert do n't know this writing , "_[173-robert] [Robert]_173-robert said , as [he]_173-robert eagerly unfolded the first of the two papers . " What has this to do with [[my]_173-robert friend]_{836-my friend} ? Why do [you]_167-luke show [me]_173-robert these ? "_[173-robert] " Suppose [you]_173-robert read ['em]_8277-'em first , "_[167-luke] said [Mr. Marks]_167-luke , " and ask [me]_167-luke questions about them afterwards . "_[167-luke] The first paper which [Robert Audley]_173-robert had unfolded contained the following lines , written in that cramped , yet scrawling hand which was so strange to [him]_173-robert : " [[MY]_173-robert DEAR FRIEND]_{8278-my dear friend} — [I]_173-robert write to [you]_{8278-my dear friend} in such utter confusion of mind as perhaps [no man]_{8279-no man} ever before suffered . [I]_173-robert can not tell [you]_{8278-my dear friend} what has happened to [me]_173-robert , [I]_173-robert can only tell [you]_{8278-my dear friend} that something has happened which will drive [me]_173-robert from [England]_7-england [a broken - hearted man]_{8280-a broken - hearted man} , to seek [some corner of [the earth]_{5601-the earth} in which [I]_173-robert may live and die unknown and forgotten]_{8281-some corner of the earth in which i may live and die unknown and forgotten} . [I]_173-robert can only ask [you]_{8278-my dear friend} to forget [me]_173-robert . If [your]_{8278-my dear friend} friendship could have done [me]_173-robert any good , [I]_173-robert would have appealed to it . If [your]_{8278-my dear friend} counsel could have been any help to [me]_173-robert , [I]_173-robert would have confided in [you]_{8278-my dear friend} . But neither friendship nor counsel can help [me]_173-robert ; and all [I]_173-robert can say to [you]_{8278-my dear friend} is this , [God]_164-god bless [you]_{8278-my dear friend} for the past , and teach [you]_{8278-my dear friend} to forget [me]_173-robert in the future . G.T. "_[173-robert] The second paper was addressed to [another person]_{2618-another person} , and its contents were briefer than those of the first . " [HELEN]_{179-helen talboys} — May [God]_164-god pity and forgive [you]_{8278-my dear friend} for that which [you]_{8278-my dear friend} have done to - day , as truly as [I]_{2618-another person} do . Rest in peace . [You]_{8278-my dear friend} shall never hear of [me]_{2618-another person} again ; to [you]_{8278-my dear friend} and to [the world]_{519-the world} [I]_{2618-another person} shall henceforth be that which [you]_{8278-my dear friend} wished [me]_{2618-another person} to be to - day . [You]_{8278-my dear friend} need fear no molestation from [me]_{2618-another person} . [I]_{2618-another person} leave [England]_7-england never to return . "_{[2618-another person]} G.T. " [Robert Audley]_173-robert sat staring at these lines in hopeless bewilderment . They were not in [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} 's familiar hand , and yet they purported to be written by [him]_173-robert and were signed with [his]_173-robert initials . [He]_173-robert looked scrutinizingly at the face of [Luke Marks]_167-luke , thinking that perhaps some trick was being played upon [him]_173-robert . "_{[2618-another person]} This was not written by [George Talboys]_157-george , " [he]_173-robert said . "_[157-george] It was , " answered [Luke Marks]_167-luke , "_[157-george] it was written by [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , every line of it . [He]_157-george wrote it with [his]_157-george own hand ; but it was [his]_157-george left hand , for [he]_157-george could n't use [his]_157-george right because of [his]_157-george broken arm . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert looked up suddenly , and the shadow of suspicion passed away from [his]_0-i face . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i understand , " [he]_0-i said , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i understand . Tell [me]_0-i all ; tell [me]_0-i how it was that [[my]_0-i poor friend]_{6106-my poor friend} was saved . " "_[0-i] [I]_0-i was at work up at [[Atkinson]_359-atkinson 's farm]_{8254-atkinson 's farm} , last September , " said [Luke Marks]_167-luke , "_[0-i] helping to stack the last of the corn , and as the nighest way from [the farm]_{4464-the farm} to [[mother]_7130-mother 's cottage]_{4466-mother 's cottage} was through [the meadows]_{776-the meadows} at [the back of [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{1211-the back of the court} , [I]_0-i used to come that way , and [Phoebe]_166-phoebe used to stand in the garden wall beyond [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} sometimes , to have a chat with [me]_0-i , knowin ' [my]_0-i time o ' comin ' [home]_479-home . " [I]_0-i do n't know what [Phoebe]_166-phoebe was a - doin' upon the evenin ' of the seventh o ' September — [I]_0-i rek'lect the date because [Farmer Atkinson]_359-atkinson paid [me]_0-i [my]_0-i wages all of a lump on that day , and [I]_0-i 'd had to sign a bit of a receipt for the money [he]_359-atkinson give [me]_0-i — [I]_0-i do n't know what [she]_166-phoebe was a - doin' , but [she]_166-phoebe warn't at the gate agen the lime - walk , so [I]_0-i went round to the other side o ' [the gardens]_{414-the gardens} and jumped across [the dry ditch]_{8286-the dry ditch} , for [I]_0-i wanted [partic'ler]_{8287-partic'ler} to see [her]_166-phoebe that night , as [I]_0-i was goin' away to work upon [a farm beyond [Chelmsford]_{38-chelmsford}]_{8288-a farm beyond chelmsford} the next day . [Audley church]_{150-lady audley} clock struck nine as [I]_0-i was crossin ' [the meadows between [Atkinson]_359-atkinson 's and [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{8289-the meadows between atkinson 's and the court} , and it must have been about a quarter past nine when [I]_0-i got into [the kitchen garden]_{8291-the kitchen garden} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i crossed [the garden]_{452-the garden} , and went into [the lime - walk]_{5297-the lime - walk} ; the nighest way to [the servants ' hall]_{797-the servants ' hall} took [me]_0-i through the shrubbery and past [the dry well]_{4475-the dry well} . It was a dark night , but [I]_0-i knew [my]_0-i way well enough about [the old place]_{413-the old place} , and the light in the window of [the servants ' hall]_{797-the servants ' hall} looked red and comfortable through the darkness . [I]_0-i was close against the mouth of [the dry well]_{4475-the dry well} when [I]_0-i heard a sound that made [my]_0-i blood creep . It was a groan — a groan of [a man in pain]_{4479-a man in pain} , as was lyin ' somewhere hid among the bushes . [I]_0-i warn't afraid of ghosts and [I]_0-i warn't afraid of anythink in a general way , but there was somethin in hearin ' this groan as chilled [me]_0-i to the very heart , and for a minute [I]_0-i was struck all of a heap , and did n't know what to do . But [I]_0-i heard the groan again , and then [I]_0-i began to search among the bushes . [I]_0-i found [a man]_{445-a man} lyin ' hidden under a lot o ' laurels , and [I]_0-i thought at first [he]_{445-a man} was up to no good , and [I]_0-i was a - goin' to collar [him]_{445-a man} to take [him]_{445-a man} to [the house]_{388-the house} , when [he]_{445-a man} caught [me]_0-i by the wrist without gettin ' up from the ground , but lookin ' at [me]_0-i very earnest , as [I]_0-i could see by the way [his]_{445-a man} face was turned toward [me]_0-i in the darkness , and asked [me]_0-i who [I]_0-i was , and what [I]_0-i was , and what [I]_0-i had to do with [the folks at [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{4482-the folks at the court} . " There was somethin' in the way [he]_{445-a man} spoke that told [me]_0-i [he]_{445-a man} was [a gentleman]_{4644-a gentleman} , though [I]_0-i did n't know [him]_{445-a man} from [Adam]_299-adam , and could n't see [his]_{445-a man} face ; and [I]_0-i answered [his]_{445-a man} questions civil . "_[0-i] ' [I]_0-i want to get away from [this place]_{5298-this place} , ' [he]_0-i said , ' without bein ' seen by any livin ' [creetur]_4485-creetur , remember that . [I]_0-i 've been lyin ' [here]_4776-here ever since four o'clock to - day , and [I]_0-i 'm half dead , but [I]_0-i want to get away without bein ' seen , mind that . ' " [I]_0-i told [him]_0-i that was easy enough , but [I]_0-i began to think [my]_0-i first thoughts of [him]_0-i might have been right enough , after all , and that [he]_0-i could n't have been up to no good to want to sneak away so precious quiet . "_[0-i] ' Can [you]_4487-you take [me]_0-i to any place where [I]_0-i can get a change of dry clothes , ' [he]_0-i says , ' without [half a dozen people]_{4488-half a dozen people} knowin ' it ? ' " [He]_0-i 'd got up into a sittin ' attitude by this time , and [I]_0-i could see that [his]_0-i right arm hung close by [his]_0-i side , and that [he]_0-i was in pain . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i pointed to [his]_0-i arm , and asked [him]_0-i what was the matter with it ; but [he]_0-i only answered , very quiet like : ' Broken , [[my]_0-i lad]_{4489-my lad} , broken . Not that that 's much , ' [he]_0-i says in another tone , speaking to [himself]_0-i like , more than to [me]_0-i . ' There 's broken hearts as well as broken limbs , and they 're not so easy mended . ' " [I]_0-i told [him]_0-i [I]_0-i could take [him]_0-i to [[mother]_7130-mother 's cottage]_{4466-mother 's cottage} , and that [he]_0-i could dry [his]_0-i clothes there and welcome . "_[0-i] ' Can [[your]_0-i mother]_{4490-your mother} keep a secret ? ' [he]_0-i asked . " ' Well , [she]_{4490-your mother} could keep one well enough if [she]_{4490-your mother} could remember it , ' [I]_0-i told [him]_0-i ; ' but [you]_0-i might tell [her]_{4490-your mother} all the secrets of [the Freemasons]_{362-the freemasons} , and [Foresters]_{8295-foresters} , and [Buffalers]_{8296-buffalers} and [Oddfellers]_{8297-oddfellers} as ever was , to - night : and [she]_{4490-your mother} 'd have forgotten all about ['em]_8298-'em to - morrow mornin ' . ' "_[0-i] [He]_0-i seemed satisfied with this , and [he]_0-i got [himself]_0-i up by holdin ' on to [me]_0-i , for it seemed as if [his]_0-i limbs was cramped , the use of 'em was almost gone . [I]_0-i felt as [he]_0-i came agen [me]_0-i , that [his]_0-i clothes was wet and mucky . " ' [You]_0-i have n't been and fell into [the fish - pond]_{381-the fish - pond} , have [you]_0-i , [sir]_900-sir ? ' [I]_0-i asked . "_[0-i] [He]_0-i made no answer to [my]_0-i question ; [he]_0-i did n't seem even to have heard it . [I]_0-i could see now [he]_0-i was standin ' upon [his]_0-i feet that [he]_0-i was [a tall , fine - made man]_{4491-a tall , fine - made man} , a head and shoulders higher than [me]_0-i . " ' Take [me]_0-i to [[[your]_0-i mother]_{4490-your mother} 's cottage]_{8302-your mother 's cottage} , ' [he]_0-i said , ' and get [me]_0-i some dry clothes if [you]_0-i can ; [I]_0-i 'll pay [you]_0-i well for [your]_0-i trouble . ' "_[0-i] [I]_0-i knew that the key was mostly left in the wooden gate in [the garden]_{452-the garden} wall , so [I]_0-i led [him]_0-i that way . [He]_0-i could scarcely walk at first , and it was only by leanin ' heavily upon [my]_0-i shoulder that [he]_0-i managed to get along . [I]_0-i got [him]_0-i through the gate , leavin ' it unlocked behind [me]_0-i , and trustin ' to the chance of that not bein ' noticed by [the under - gardener , who had the care of the key]_{4493-the under - gardener , who had the care of the key} , and was [a careless chap enough]_{4494-a careless chap enough} . [I]_0-i took [him]_0-i across [the meadows]_{776-the meadows} , and brought [him]_0-i up [here]_4776-here , still keepin ' away from [the village]_{5107-the village} , and in [the fields]_{4773-the fields} , where there was n't a creature to see [us]_4499-us at that time o ' night ; and so [I]_0-i got [him]_0-i into [the room down - stairs]_{4500-the room down - stairs} , where [mother]_7130-mother was a - sittin ' over the fire gettin ' [my]_0-i bit o ' supper ready for [me]_0-i . " [I]_0-i put [the strange chap]_{8303-the strange chap} in a chair agen the fire , and then for the first time [I]_0-i had a good look at [him]_0-i . [I]_0-i never see [anybody in such a state]_{8304-anybody in such a state} before . [He]_0-i was all over green damp and muck , and [his]_0-i hands was scratched and cut to pieces . [I]_0-i got [his]_0-i clothes off [him]_0-i how [I]_0-i could , for [he]_0-i was like [a child]_{4759-a child} in [my]_0-i hands , and sat starin ' at the fire as helpless as [any baby]_{8306-any baby} ; only givin ' a long heavy sigh now and then , as if [his]_0-i heart was a - goin' to bust . At last [he]_0-i dropped into a kind of a doze , a stupid sort of sleep , and began to nod over the fire , so [I]_0-i ran and got a blanket and wrapped [him]_0-i in it , and got [him]_0-i to lie down on the press bedstead in [the room under this]_{8307-the room under this} . [I]_0-i sent [mother]_7130-mother to bed , and [I]_0-i sat by the fire and watched [him]_0-i , and kep ' the fire up till it was just upon daybreak , when [he]_0-i ' woke up all of a sudden with a start , and said [he]_4502-he must go , directly this minute . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i begged [him]_4502-he not to think of such a thing and told [him]_4502-he [he]_4502-he warn't fit to move for ever so long ; but [he]_4502-he said [he]_4502-he must go , and [he]_4502-he got up , and though [he]_4502-he staggered like , and at first could hardly stand steady two minutes together , [he]_4502-he would n't be beat , and [he]_4502-he got [me]_0-i to dress [him]_4502-he in [his]_4502-he clothes as [I]_0-i 'd dried and cleaned as well as [I]_0-i could while [he]_4502-he laid asleep . [I]_0-i did manage it at last , but the clothes was awful spoiled , and [he]_4502-he looked [a dreadful objeck]_{4503-a dreadful objeck} , with [his]_4502-he pale face and a great cut on [his]_4502-he forehead that [I]_0-i 'd washed and tied up with a handkercher . [He]_4502-he could only get [his]_4502-he coat on by buttoning it on round [his]_4502-he neck , for [he]_4502-he could n't put a sleeve upon [his]_4502-he broken arm . But [he]_4502-he held out agen everything , though [he]_4502-he groaned every now and then ; and what with the scratches and bruises on [his]_4502-he hands , and the cut upon [his]_4502-he forehead , and [his]_4502-he stiff limbs and broken arm , [he]_4502-he 'd plenty of call to groan ; and by the time it was broad daylight [he]_4502-he was dressed and ready to go . " ' What 's [the nearest town to this upon [the [London]_3-london road]_{8310-the london road}]_{8309-the nearest town to this upon the london road} ? ' [he]_4502-he asked [me]_0-i . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i told [him]_4502-he as [the nighest town]_{4504-the nighest town} was [Brentwood]_65-brentwood . " ' Very well , then , ' [he]_4502-he says , ' if [you]_0-i 'll go with [me]_0-i to [Brentwood]_65-brentwood , and take [me]_0-i to [some surgeon]_{8311-some surgeon} as'll set [my]_0-i arm , [I]_0-i 'll give [you]_0-i a five pound note for that and all [your]_0-i other trouble . ' "_[0-i] [I]_0-i told [him]_4502-he that [I]_0-i was ready and willin ' to do anything as [he]_4502-he wanted done ; and asked [him]_4502-he if [I]_0-i should n't go and see if [I]_0-i could borrow [a cart]_{4505-a cart} from [some of [the neighbors]_{4507-the neighbors}]_{4506-some of the neighbors} to drive [him]_4502-he over in , for [I]_0-i told [him]_4502-he it was a good six miles ' walk . " [He]_4502-he shook [his]_4502-he head . No , no , no , [he]_4502-he said , [he]_4502-he did n't want [anybody]_706-anybody to know anything about [him]_4502-he ; [he]_4502-he 'd rather walk it . "_[0-i] [He]_4502-he did walk it ; and [he]_4502-he walked like [a good ' un]_{4508-a good ' un} , too ; though [I]_0-i know as every step [he]_4502-he took o ' [them]_4509-them six miles [he]_4502-he took in pain ; but [he]_4502-he held out as [he]_4502-he 'd held out before ; [I]_0-i never see such a chap to hold out in all [my]_0-i blessed life . [He]_4502-he had to stop sometimes and lean agen a gateway to get [his]_4502-he breath ; but [he]_4502-he held out still , till at last [we]_4510-we got into [Brentwood]_65-brentwood , and then [he]_4502-he says , ' Take [me]_0-i to [the nighest surgeon]_{4511-the nighest surgeon} 's , ' and [I]_0-i waited while [he]_4502-he had [his]_4502-he arm set in splints , which took a precious long time . [The surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} wanted [him]_4502-he to stay in [Brentwood]_65-brentwood till [he]_4502-he was better , but [he]_4502-he said it warn't to be heard on , [he]_4502-he must get up to [London]_3-london without a minute 's loss of time ; so [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} made [him]_4502-he as comfortable as [he]_4502-he could , considering and tied up [his]_4502-he arm in a sling . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert started . A circumstance connected with [his]_173-robert visit to [Liverpool]_6-liverpool dashed suddenly back upon [his]_173-robert memory . [He]_173-robert remembered [the clerk who had called [him]_173-robert back to say there was a passenger who took [[his]_4502-he berth on board [the Victoria Regia]_{48-the victoria regia} within an hour or so of [the vessel]_{630-the vessel} 's sailing]_{8314-his berth on board the victoria regia within an hour or so of the vessel 's sailing}]_{8313-the clerk who had called him back to say there was a passenger who took his berth on board the victoria regia within an hour or so of the vessel 's sailing} ; [a young man with [his]_4502-he arm in a sling , who had called [himself]_4502-he by some common name , which [Robert]_173-robert had forgotten]_{8316-a young man with his arm in a sling , who had called himself by some common name , which robert had forgotten} . "_{[508-the surgeon]} When [his]_4502-he arm was dressed , " continued [Luke]_167-luke , "_[4502-he] [he]_4502-he says to [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} , ' Can [you]_{508-the surgeon} give [me]_0-i a pencil to write something before [I]_0-i go away ? ' [The surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} smiles and shakes [his]_{508-the surgeon} head : ' [You]_{508-the surgeon} 'll never be able to write with that there hand to - day , ' [he]_{508-the surgeon} says , pointin ' to the arm as had just been dressed . ' P'raps not , ' [the young chap]_{4516-the young chap} answers , quiet enough , ' but [I]_0-i can write with the other , ' ' Ca n't [I]_0-i write it for [you]_{508-the surgeon} ? ' says [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} . ' No , thank [you]_{508-the surgeon} , ' answers [the other]_{4907-the other} ; ' what [I]_0-i 've got to write is private . If [you]_{508-the surgeon} can give [me]_0-i a couple of envelopes , [I]_0-i 'll be obliged to [you]_{508-the surgeon} . ' " With that [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} goes to fetch the envelopes , and [the young chap]_{4516-the young chap} takes a pocket - book out of [his]_{4516-the young chap} coat pocket with [his]_{4516-the young chap} left hand ; the cover was wet and dirty , but the inside was clean enough , and [he]_{4516-the young chap} tears out a couple of leaves and begins to write upon 'em as [you]_{508-the surgeon} see ; and [he]_{4516-the young chap} writes dreadful awk'ard with [his]_{4516-the young chap} left hand , and [he]_{4516-the young chap} writes slow , but [he]_{4516-the young chap} contrives to finish what [you]_{508-the surgeon} see , and then [he]_{4516-the young chap} puts the two bits o ' writin ' into the envelopes as [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} brings [him]_{4516-the young chap} , and [he]_{4516-the young chap} seals 'em up , and [he]_{4516-the young chap} puts a pencil cross upon one of 'em , and nothing on the other : and then [he]_{4516-the young chap} pays [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} for [his]_{4516-the young chap} trouble , and [the surgeon]_{508-the surgeon} says , ai n't there nothin' more [he]_{508-the surgeon} can do for [him]_{4516-the young chap} , and ca n't [he]_{508-the surgeon} persuade [him]_{4516-the young chap} to stay in [Brentwood]_65-brentwood till [his]_{4516-the young chap} arm 's better ; but [he]_4520-he says no , no , it ai n't possible ; and then [he]_4520-he says to [me]_{4907-the other} , ' Come along o ' [me]_{4907-the other} to [the railway station]_{541-the railway station} , and [I]_{4907-the other} 'll give [you]_{4907-the other} what [I]_{4907-the other} 've promised . ' "_{[4907-the other]} So [I]_0-i went to [the station]_{1271-the station} with [him]_4520-he . [We]_4521-we was in time to catch [the train]_{1957-the train} as stops at [Brentwood]_65-brentwood at half after eight , and [we]_4521-we had five minutes to spare . So [he]_4520-he takes [me]_0-i into a corner of [the platform]_{1421-the platform} , and [he]_4520-he says , ' [I]_0-i wants [you]_0-i to deliver these here letters for [me]_0-i , ' which [I]_0-i told [him]_4520-he [I]_0-i was willin ' . ' Very well , then , ' [he]_4520-he says ; ' look here ; [you]_0-i know [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} ? ' ' Yes , ' [I]_0-i says , ' [I]_0-i ought to , for [[my]_0-i sweetheart]_{4524-my sweetheart} lives [[lady]_1526-lady 's maid]_{4526-lady 's maid} there . ' ' [Whose lady 's [maid]_4528-maid]_{4527-whose lady 's maid} ? ' [he]_4520-he says . So [I]_0-i tells [him]_4520-he , ' [[My]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} 's , [the new lady]_{4530-the new lady} what was governess at [Mr. Dawson]_{151-mr. dawson} 's . ' ' Very well , then , ' [he]_4520-he says ; ' this here letter with the cross upon the envelope is for [Lady Audley]_{150-lady audley} , but [you]_0-i 're to be sure to give it into [her]_{150-lady audley} own hands ; and remember to take care as [nobody]_566-nobody sees [you]_0-i give it . ' [I]_0-i promises to do this , and [he]_4520-he hands [me]_0-i the first letter . And then [he]_4520-he says , ' Do [you]_0-i know [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , as is [nevy]_363-nevy to [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} ? ' and [I]_0-i said , ' Yes , [I]_0-i 've [heerd]_4532-heerd tell on [him]_173-robert , and [I]_0-i 've [heerd]_4532-heerd as [he]_173-robert was [a reg'lar swell]_{4533-a reg'lar swell} , but affable and free - spoken ' ( for [I]_0-i heerd 'em tell on [you]_0-i , [you]_0-i know ) , " [Luke]_167-luke added , parenthetically . "_{[4516-the young chap]} ' Now look here , ' [the young chap]_{4516-the young chap} says , ' [you]_0-i 're to give this other letter to [Mr. Robert Audley]_173-robert , whose a - stayin ' at [the Sun Inn]_{5106-the sun inn} , in [the village]_{5107-the village} ; ' and [I]_0-i tells [him]_{4516-the young chap} it 's all right , as [I]_0-i 've know'd [the Sun]_{364-the sun} ever since [I]_0-i was [a baby]_{4838-a baby} . So then [he]_{4516-the young chap} gives [me]_0-i the second letter , what 's got nothing wrote upon the envelope , and [he]_{4516-the young chap} gives [me]_0-i a five - pound note , accordin ' to promise ; and then [he]_{4516-the young chap} says , ' Good - day , and thank [you]_0-i for all [your]_0-i trouble,'and [he]_{4516-the young chap} gets into [a second - class carriage]_{4538-a second - class carriage} ; and the last [I]_0-i sees of [him]_{4516-the young chap} is a face as white as a sheet of writin ' paper , and a great patch of stickin'-plaster criss - crossed upon [his]_{4516-the young chap} forehead . " "_[259-george] [Poor George]_259-george ! poor [George]_259-george ! " "_[259-george] [I]_0-i went back to [Audley]_{150-lady audley} , and [I]_0-i went straight to [the Sun Inn]_{5106-the sun inn} , and asked for [you]_0-i , meanin ' to deliver both letters faithful , so help [me]_0-i [God]_164-god ! then ; but [the landlord]_{5144-the landlord} told [me]_0-i as [you]_0-i 'd started off that mornin ' for [London]_3-london , and [he]_{5144-the landlord} did n't know when [you]_0-i 'd come back , and [he]_{5144-the landlord} did n't know the name o ' [the place where [you]_0-i lived in [London]_3-london]_{4541-the place where you lived in london} , though [he]_{5144-the landlord} said [he]_{5144-the landlord} thought it was in [one o ' them law courts]_{4542-one o ' them law courts} , such as [Westminster Hall]_{90-westminster hall} or [Doctors ' Commons]_{4543-doctors ' commons} , or somethin' like that . So what was [I]_0-i to do ? [I]_0-i could n't send a letter by post , not knowin ' where to direct to , and [I]_0-i could n't give it into [your]_0-i own hands , and [I]_0-i 'd been told [partickler]_{4544-partickler} not to let [anybody else]_{5766-anybody else} know of it ; so [I]_0-i 'd nothing to do but to wait and see if [you]_0-i come back , and bide [my]_0-i time for givin ' of it to [you]_0-i . " [I]_0-i thought [I]_0-i 'd go over to [the Court]_{373-the court} in the evenin ' and see [Phoebe]_166-phoebe , and find out from [her]_166-phoebe when there 'd be a chance of seein ' [[her]_166-phoebe lady]_{7389-her lady} , for [I]_0-i know'd [she]_166-phoebe could manage it if [she]_166-phoebe liked . So [I]_0-i did n't go to work that day , though [I]_0-i ought to ha ' done , and [I]_0-i lounged and idled about until it was nigh upon dusk , and then [I]_0-i goes down to [the meadows behind [the Court]_{373-the court}]_{3773-the meadows behind the court} , and there [I]_0-i finds [Phoebe]_166-phoebe sure enough , waitin ' agen the wooden door in the wall , on the lookout for [me]_0-i . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i had n't been talkin ' to [her]_4546-she long before [I]_0-i see there was somethink wrong with [her]_4546-she and [I]_0-i told [her]_4546-she as much . " Well , ' [she]_4546-she says , ' [I]_0-i ai n't quite [myself]_0-i this evenin ' , for [I]_0-i had a upset yesterday , and [I]_0-i ai n't got over it yet . ' "_[0-i] ' A upset , ' [I]_0-i says . ' [You]_4546-she had a quarrel with [[your]_4546-she missus]_{4547-your missus} , [I]_0-i suppose . ' " [She]_4546-she did n't answer [me]_0-i directly , but [she]_4546-she smiled the queerest smile as ever [I]_0-i see , and presently [she]_4546-she says : "_[0-i] No , [Luke]_167-luke , it were n't nothin' o ' that kind ; and what 's more , [nobody]_566-nobody could be friendlier toward [me]_0-i than [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} . [I]_0-i think [she]_{468-my lady} 'd do any think for [me]_0-i a'most ; and [I]_0-i think , whether it was a bit o ' farming stock and furniture or such like , or whether it was the good - will of [a public - house]_{4807-a public - house} , [she]_{468-my lady} would n't refuse [me]_0-i anythink as [I]_0-i asked [her]_{468-my lady} . ' " [I]_{468-my lady} could n't make out this , for it was only a few days before as [she]_{468-my lady} 'd told [me]_{468-my lady} [her]_{468-my lady} missus was selfish and extravagant , and [we]_8327-we might wait a long time before [we]_8327-we could get what [we]_8327-we wanted from [her]_{468-my lady} . "_{[468-my lady]} So [I]_0-i says to [her]_{468-my lady} , ' Why , this is rather sudden like , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe ; ' and [she]_{468-my lady} says , ' Yes , it is sudden ; ' and [she]_{468-my lady} smiles again , just the same sort of smile as before . Upon that [I]_0-i turns round upon [her]_{468-my lady} sharp , and says : " [I]_0-i 'll tell [you]_{468-my lady} what it is , [[my]_0-i gal]_{8328-my gal} , [you]_{468-my lady} 're a - keepin ' somethink from [me]_0-i ; somethink [you]_{468-my lady} 've been told , or somethink [you]_{468-my lady} 've found out ; and if [you]_{468-my lady} think [you]_{468-my lady} 're a - goin' to try that game on with [me]_0-i , [you]_{468-my lady} 'll find [you]_{468-my lady} 're very much mistaken ; and so [I]_0-i give [you]_{468-my lady} warnin ' . "_[0-i] " But [she]_{8328-my gal} laughed it off like , and says , ' Lor ' [Luke]_167-luke , what could have put such fancies into [your]_167-luke head ? ' "_[0-i] ' Perhaps [other people]_{1822-other people} can keep secrets as well as [you]_{468-my lady} , ' [I]_0-i said , ' and perhaps [other people]_{1822-other people} can make [friends]_1050-friends as well as [you]_{468-my lady} . There was [a gentleman]_{4644-a gentleman} came here to see [[your]_{468-my lady} missus]_{4547-your missus} yesterday , warn't there — [a tall young gentleman with a brown beard]_{4556-a tall young gentleman with a brown beard} ? ' " Instead of answering of [me]_{4556-a tall young gentleman with a brown beard} like [a Christian]_{2048-a christian} , [[my]_{4556-a tall young gentleman with a brown beard} Cousin]_{986-my cousin} [Phoebe]_166-phoebe bursts out a - cryin ' , and wrings [her]_166-phoebe hands , and goes on awful , until [I]_{4556-a tall young gentleman with a brown beard} 'm dashed if [I]_{4556-a tall young gentleman with a brown beard} can make out what [she]_166-phoebe 's up to . "_{[4556-a tall young gentleman with a brown beard]} But little by little [I]_0-i got it out of [her]_{4547-your missus} , for [I]_0-i would n't stand no nonsense ; find [she]_{4547-your missus} told [me]_0-i how [she]_{4547-your missus} 'd been sittin ' at work at the window of [[her]_{4547-your missus} little room]_{609-her little room} , which was at [the top of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{610-the top of the house} , right up in [one of the gables]_{4560-one of the gables} , and overlooked the lime - walk , and the shrubbery and the well , when [she]_{4547-your missus} see [[my]_0-i lady]_{468-my lady} walking with [a strange gentleman]_{4562-a strange gentleman} , and [they]_4563-they walked together for a long time , until by - and - by [they]_4563-they — " "_[4563-they] Stop ! " cried [Robert]_173-robert , "_[4563-they] [I]_0-i know the rest . " "_[4563-they] Well , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe told [me]_0-i all about what [she]_{4547-your missus} see , and [she]_{4547-your missus} told [me]_0-i [she]_{4547-your missus} 'd met [[her]_{4547-your missus} lady]_{7389-her lady} almost directly afterward , and somethin' had passed between 'em , not much , but enough to let [[her]_{4547-your missus} missus]_{4565-her missus} know that [the servant what [she]_{4547-your missus} looked down upon]_{4566-the servant what she looked down upon} had found out that as would put [her]_{4547-your missus} in [that servant]_{4567-that servant} 's power to the last day of [her]_{4547-your missus} life . " ' And [she]_{4547-your missus} is in [my]_4568-my power , [Luke]_167-luke , ' says [Phoebe]_166-phoebe ; ' and [she]_{4547-your missus} 'll do anythin ' in [the world]_{519-the world} for [us]_8332-us if [we]_8332-us keep [her]_{4547-your missus} secret . ' "_[4568-my] So [you]_4568-my see both [[my]_0-i Lady [Audley]_{150-lady audley}]_{7496-my lady audley} and [[her]_{150-lady audley} maid]_{761-her maid} thought as [the gentleman]_{4994-the gentleman} as [I]_0-i 'd seen safe off by [the London train]_{4572-the london train} was lying dead at the bottom of the well . If [I]_0-i was to give the letter [they]_4573-they 'd find out the contrary of this ; and if [I]_0-i was to give the letter , [Phoebe]_166-phoebe and [me]_0-i would lose the chance of gettin ' started in life by [[her]_166-phoebe missus]_{4565-her missus} . " So [I]_166-phoebe kep ' the letter and kep ' [my]_166-phoebe secret , and [[my]_166-phoebe lady]_{468-my lady} kep ' [hern]_8334-hern . But [I]_166-phoebe thought if [she]_166-phoebe acted liberal by [me]_166-phoebe , and gave [me]_166-phoebe the money [I]_166-phoebe wanted , free like , [I]_166-phoebe 'd tell [her]_166-phoebe everythink , and make [her]_166-phoebe mind easy . "_[166-phoebe] But [she]_166-phoebe did n't . Whatever [she]_166-phoebe give [me]_0-i [she]_166-phoebe throwed [me]_0-i as if [I]_0-i 'd been a dog . Whenever [she]_166-phoebe spoke to [me]_0-i , [she]_166-phoebe spoke as [she]_166-phoebe might have spoken to a dog ; and a dog [she]_166-phoebe could n't abide the sight of . There was no word in [her]_166-phoebe mouth that was too bad for [me]_0-i ; there was no toss as [she]_166-phoebe could give [her]_166-phoebe head that was too proud and scornful for [me]_0-i ; and [my]_0-i blood b'iled agen [her]_166-phoebe , and [I]_0-i kep ' [my]_0-i secret , and let [her]_166-phoebe keep [hern]_4575-hern . [I]_0-i opened the two letters , and [I]_0-i read 'em , but [I]_0-i could n't make much sense out of 'em , and [I]_0-i hid 'em away ; and not a creature but [me]_0-i has seen 'em until this night . " [Luke Marks]_167-luke had finished [his]_167-luke story , and lay quietly enough , exhausted by having talked so long . [He]_167-luke watched [Robert Audley]_173-robert 's face , fully expecting some reproof , some grave lecture ; for [he]_167-luke had a vague consciousness that [he]_167-luke had done wrong . But [Robert]_173-robert did not lecture [him]_167-luke ; [he]_167-luke had no fancy for [an office which [he]_167-luke did not think [himself]_167-luke fitted to perform]_{8335-an office which he did not think himself fitted to perform} . [Robert Audley]_173-robert sat until long after daybreak with [the sick man]_{6531-the sick man} , who fell into a heavy slumber a short time after [he]_{6531-the sick man} had finished [his]_{6531-the sick man} story . [The old woman]_{524-the old woman} had dozed comfortably throughout [[her]_{524-the old woman} son]_{4404-her son} 's confession . [Phoebe]_166-phoebe was asleep upon [the press bedstead in [the room below]_{442-the room below}]_{8339-the press bedstead in the room below} ; so [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} was [the only watcher]_{8342-the only watcher} . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} could not sleep ; [he]_{5094-the young barrister} could only think of the story [he]_{5094-the young barrister} had heard . [He]_{5094-the young barrister} could only thank [God]_164-god for [[his]_{5094-the young barrister} friend]_{4909-his friend} 's preservation , and pray that [he]_{5094-the young barrister} might be able to go to [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , and say , "_[4576-your] [[Your]_4576-your brother]_{6374-your brother} still lives , and has been found . " [Phoebe]_166-phoebe came up - stairs at eight o'clock , ready to take [her]_166-phoebe place at [the sick - bed]_{8344-the sick - bed} , and [Robert Audley]_173-robert went away , to get a bed at [the Sun Inn]_{5106-the sun inn} . It was nearly dusk when [he]_173-robert awoke out of a long dreamless slumber , and dressed [himself]_173-robert before dining in [the little sitting - room , in which [he]_173-robert and [George]_259-george had sat together a few months before]_{8346-the little sitting - room , in which he and george had sat together a few months before} . [The landlord]_{5144-the landlord} waited upon [him]_173-robert at dinner , and told [him]_173-robert that [Luke Marks]_167-luke had died at five o'clock that afternoon . "_{[6374-your brother]} [He]_{6374-your brother} went off rather sudden like , " [the man]_{634-the man} said , "_{[6374-your brother]} but very quiet . " [Robert Audley]_173-robert wrote a long letter that evening , addressed to [Madame Taylor]_{352-madame taylor} , care of [Monsieur Val]_{348-monsieur val} , [Villebrumeuse]_{124-villebrumeuse} ; a long letter in which [he]_173-robert told [the wretched woman who had borne so many names , and was to bear a false one]_{8349-the wretched woman who had borne so many names , and was to bear a false one} for the rest of [her]_4578-her life , the story that [the dying man]_{8350-the dying man} had told [him]_173-robert . "_{[6374-your brother]} It may be some comfort to [her]_4578-her to hear that [[her]_4578-her husband]_{469-her husband} did not perish in [his]_{469-her husband} youth by [her]_4578-her wicked hand , " [he]_173-robert thought , "_{[6374-your brother]} if [her]_4578-her selfish soul can hold any sentiment of pity or sorrow for [others]_5097-others . " [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} returned to [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} , to tell [[her]_{256-clara talboys} father]_{481-her father} that [[his]_{481-her father} only son]_{2318-his only son} had sailed for [Australia]_11-australia upon the 9th of September , and that it was most probable [he]_{481-her father} yet lived , and would return to claim the forgiveness of [the father]_{2066-the father} [he]_{481-her father} had never very particularly injured ; except in the matter of having made that terrible matrimonial mistake which had exercised so fatal an influence upon [his]_{481-her father} youth . [Mr. Harcourt - Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} was fairly nonplused . [Junius Brutus]_{253-junius brutus} had never been placed in such a position as this , and seeing no way of getting out of this dilemma by acting after [[his]_{253-junius brutus} favorite model]_{8354-his favorite model} , [Mr. Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} was fain to be natural for once in [his]_{239-mr. talboys} life , and to confess that [he]_{239-mr. talboys} had suffered much uneasiness and pain of mind about [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} only son]_{2318-his only son} since [his]_{239-mr. talboys} conversation with [Robert Audley]_173-robert , and that [he]_{239-mr. talboys} would be heartily glad to take [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} poor boy]_{8356-his poor boy} to [his]_{239-mr. talboys} arms , whenever [he]_{239-mr. talboys} should return to [England]_7-england . But when was [he]_{239-mr. talboys} likely to return ? and how was [he]_{239-mr. talboys} to be communicated with ? That was the question . [Robert Audley]_173-robert remembered the advertisements which [he]_173-robert had caused to be inserted in the [Melbourne]_10-melbourne and [Sydney]_5-sydney papers . If [George]_259-george had re - entered [either city]_{5911-either city} alive , how was it that no notice had ever been taken of that advertisement ? Was it likely that [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} would be indifferent to [his]_173-robert uneasiness ? But then , again , it was just possible that [George Talboys]_157-george had not happened to see this advertisement ; and , as [he]_157-george had traveled under a feigned name , neither [[his]_157-george fellow passengers]_{8359-his fellow passengers} nor [the captain of [the vessel]_{630-the vessel}]_{8360-the captain of the vessel} would have been able to identify [him]_157-george with [the person advertised for]_{8362-the person advertised for} . What was to be done ? Must [they]_{8359-his fellow passengers} wait patiently till [George]_157-george grew weary of [his]_157-george exile , and returned to [[his]_157-george friends who loved [him]_157-george]_{8363-his friends who loved him} ? or were there any means to be taken by which [his]_157-george return might be hastened ? [Robert Audley]_173-robert was at fault ! Perhaps , in the unspeakable relief of mind which [he]_173-robert had experienced upon the discovery of [[his]_173-robert friend]_{4909-his friend} 's escape , [he]_173-robert was unable to look beyond the one fact of that providential preservation . In this state of mind [he]_173-robert went down to [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} to pay a visit to [Mr. Talboys]_157-george , who had given way to a perfect torrent of generous impulses , and had gone so far as to invite [[[his]_173-robert son]_{4957-his son} 's friend]_{8366-his son 's friend} to share the prim hospitality of [the square , red brick mansion]_{8367-the square , red brick mansion} . [Mr. Talboys]_157-george had only two sentiments upon the subject of [George]_157-george 's story ; one was a natural relief and happiness in the thought that [[his]_157-george son]_{4957-his son} had been saved , the other was an earnest wish that [[my]_{6374-your brother} lady]_{468-my lady} had been [[his]_173-robert wife]_{554-his wife} , and that [he]_173-robert might thus have had the pleasure of making a signal example of [her]_{673-the lady} . "_{[6374-your brother]} It is not for [me]_0-i to blame [you]_4581-you , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [he]_0-i said , "_[4581-you] for having smuggled [this guilty woman]_{4582-this guilty woman} out of the reach of justice , and thus , as [I]_0-i may say , paltered with the laws of [[your]_4581-you country]_{4583-your country} . [I]_0-i can only remark that , had [the lady]_{673-the lady} fallen into [my]_0-i hands , [she]_{673-the lady} would have been very differently treated . " It was in the middle of April when [Robert Audley]_173-robert found [himself]_173-robert once more under those black fir - trees beneath which [his]_173-robert wandering thoughts had so often stayed since [his]_173-robert first meeting with [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} . There were primroses and early violets in the hedges now , and the streams , which , upon [his]_173-robert first visit , had been hard and frost - bound as the heart of [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , had thawed , like [that gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} , and ran merrily under the blackthorn bushes in the capricious April sunshine . [Robert]_173-robert had [a prim bedroom]_{8372-a prim bedroom} , and [an uncompromising dressing - room]_{8373-an uncompromising dressing - room} allotted [him]_173-robert in [the square house]_{8374-the square house} , and [he]_173-robert woke every morning upon a metallic spring mattress , which always gave [him]_173-robert the idea of sleeping upon some musical instrument , to see the sun glaring in upon [him]_173-robert through the square , white blinds and lighting up the two lackered urns which adorned the foot of the blue iron bedstead , until they blazed like two tiny brazen lamps of the Roman period . [He]_173-robert emulated [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} in the matter of shower - baths and cold water , and emerged prim and blue as [that gentleman]_{4886-that gentleman} [himself]_173-robert , as the clock in [the hall]_{804-the hall} struck seven , to join [the master of [the house]_{388-the house}]_{2374-the master of the house} in [his]_173-robert ante - breakfast constitutional under the fir - trees in [the stiff plantation]_{8379-the stiff plantation} . But there was generally [a third person who assisted in the constitutional promenades]_{8380-a third person who assisted in the constitutional promenades} , and [that third person]_{8381-that third person} was [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} , who used to walk by [[her]_{256-clara talboys} father]_{481-her father} 's side , more beautiful than the morning — for that was sometimes dull and cloudy , while [she]_{256-clara talboys} was always fresh and bright — in a broad - leaved straw - hat and flapping blue ribbons , one quarter of an inch of which [Mr. Audley]_173-robert would have esteemed a prouder decoration than ever adorned a favored creature 's button - hole . At first [they]_8383-they were very ceremonious toward [each other]_{4890-each other} , and were only familiar and friendly upon the one subject of [George]_157-george 's adventures ; but little by little a pleasant intimacy arose between [them]_8383-they , and before the first three weeks of [Robert]_173-robert 's visit had elapsed , [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} made [him]_173-robert happy , by taking [him]_173-robert seriously in hand and lecturing [him]_173-robert on the purposeless life [he]_173-robert had led so long , and the little use [he]_173-robert had made of the talents and opportunities that had been given to [him]_173-robert . How pleasant it was to be lectured by [the woman [he]_173-robert loved]_{8385-the woman he loved} ! How pleasant it was to humiliate [himself]_173-robert and depreciate [himself]_173-robert before [her]_{8385-the woman he loved} ! How delightful it was to get such splendid opportunities of hinting that if [his]_173-robert life had been sanctified by an object [he]_173-robert might indeed have striven to be something better than [an idle flaneur upon the smooth pathways that have no particular goal]_{8386-an idle flaneur upon the smooth pathways that have no particular goal} ; that , blessed by the ties which would have given a solemn purpose to every hour of [his]_173-robert existence , [he]_173-robert might indeed have fought the battle earnestly and unflinchingly . [He]_173-robert generally wound up with a gloomy insinuation to the effect that it was only likely [he]_173-robert would drop quietly over [the edge of [the Temple Gardens]_{5695-the temple gardens}]_{8387-the edge of the temple gardens} some afternoon when [the river]_{8389-the river} was bright and placid in the low sunlight , and [the little children]_{8390-the little children} had gone [home]_479-home to [their]_{8390-the little children} tea . "_[4585-you] Do [you]_4585-you think [I]_0-i can read French novels and smoke mild Turkish until [I]_0-i am three - score - and - ten , [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} ? " [he]_0-i asked . "_[4585-you] Do [you]_4585-you think there will not come a day in which [[my]_0-i meerschaums]_{4586-my meerschaums} will be foul , and the French novels more than usually stupid , and life altogether such a dismal monotony that [I]_0-i shall want to get rid of it somehow or other ? " [I]_0-i am sorry to say that while [this hypocritical young barrister]_{8392-this hypocritical young barrister} was holding forth in this despondent way , [he]_173-robert had mentally sold up [his]_173-robert bachelor possessions , including all [Michel Levy]_{365-michel levy} 's publications , and half a dozen solid silver - mounted meerschaums ; pensioned off [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} , and laid out two or three thousand pounds in the purchase of a few acres of verdant shrubbery and sloping lawn , embosomed amid which there should be [a fairy cottage ornée]_{8393-a fairy cottage ornée} , whose rustic casements should glimmer out of bowers of myrtle and clematis to see themselves reflected in the purple bosom of [the lake]_{8394-the lake} . Of course , [Clara Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} was far from discovering the drift of these melancholy lamentations . [She]_{256-clara talboys} recommended [Mr. Audley]_173-robert to read hard and think seriously of [his]_173-robert profession , and begin life in real earnest . It was a hard , dry sort of existence , perhaps , which [she]_{256-clara talboys} recommended ; a life of serious work and application , in which [he]_173-robert should strive to be useful to [his]_173-robert fellow - creatures , and win a reputation for [himself]_173-robert . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i 'd do all that , " [he]_0-i thought , "_[0-i] and do it earnestly , if [I]_0-i could be sure of a reward for [my]_0-i labor . If [she]_4587-she would accept [my]_0-i reputation when it was won , and support [me]_0-i in the struggle by [her]_4587-she beloved companionship . But what if [she]_4587-she sends [me]_0-i away to fight the battle , and marries [some hulking country squire]_{4588-some hulking country squire} while [my]_0-i back is turned ? " Being naturally of a vacillating and dilatory disposition , there is no saying how long [Mr. Audley]_173-robert might have kept [his]_173-robert secret , fearful to speak and break the charm of that uncertainty which , though not always hopeful , was very seldom quite despairing , had not [he]_173-robert been hurried by the impulse of an unguarded moment into a full confession of the truth . [He]_173-robert had stayed five weeks at [Grange Heath]_{83-grange heath} , and felt that [he]_173-robert could not , in common decency , stay any longer ; so [he]_173-robert had packed [his]_173-robert portmanteau one pleasant May morning , and had announced [his]_173-robert departure . [Mr. Talboys]_157-george was not [the sort of man to utter any passionate lamentations at the prospect of losing [[his]_157-george guest]_{8396-his guest}]_{8395-the sort of man to utter any passionate lamentations at the prospect of losing his guest} , but [he]_157-george expressed [himself]_157-george with a cool cordiality which served with [him]_157-george as the strongest demonstration of friendship . "_[4587-she] [We]_4589-we have got on very well together , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [he]_0-i said , "_[173-robert] and [you]_173-robert have been pleased to appear sufficiently happy in the quiet routine of [[our]_4589-we orderly household]_{4590-our orderly household} ; nay , more , [you]_173-robert have conformed to [our]_4589-we little domestic regulations in a manner which [I]_0-i can not refrain from saying [I]_0-i take as an especial compliment to [myself]_0-i . " [Robert]_173-robert bowed . How thankful [he]_173-robert was to the good fortune which had never suffered [him]_173-robert to oversleep the signal of the clanging bell , or led [him]_173-robert away beyond the ken of clocks at [Mr. Talboys]_157-george ' luncheon hour . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i trust as [we]_4589-we have got on so remarkably well together , " [Mr. Talboys]_157-george resumed , "_[173-robert] [you]_173-robert will do [me]_0-i the honor of repeating [your]_173-robert visit to [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} whenever [you]_173-robert feel inclined . [You]_173-robert will find plenty of sport among [[my]_0-i farms]_{4591-my farms} , and [you]_173-robert will meet with every politeness and attention from [[my]_0-i tenants]_{4592-my tenants} , if [you]_173-robert like to bring [your]_173-robert gun with [you]_173-robert . " [Robert]_173-robert responded most heartily to these friendly overtures . [He]_173-robert declared that there was no earthly occupation that was more agreeable to [him]_173-robert than partridge - shooting , and that [he]_173-robert should be only too delighted to avail [himself]_173-robert of the privilege so kindly offered to [him]_173-robert . [He]_173-robert could not help glancing toward [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} as [he]_173-robert said this . The perfect lids drooped a little over the brown eyes , and the faintest shadow of a blush illuminated the beautiful face . But this was [the young barrister]_{5094-the young barrister} 's last day in [Elysium]_140-elysium , and there must be a dreary interval of days and nights and weeks and months before the first of September would give [him]_173-robert an excuse for returning to [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} ; a dreary interval which [fresh colored young squires]_{8398-fresh colored young squires} or [fat widowers of eight - and - forty]_{8399-fat widowers of eight - and - forty} , might use to [his]_173-robert disadvantage . It was no wonder , therefore , that [he]_173-robert contemplated this dismal prospect with moody despair , and was bad company for [Miss Talboys]_{256-clara talboys} that morning . But in the evening after dinner , when the sun was low in [the west]_{8400-the west} , and [Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} closeted in [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} library]_{8401-his library} upon some judicial business with [[his]_{239-mr. talboys} lawyer]_{8402-his lawyer} and [a tenant farmer]_{8403-a tenant farmer} , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert grew a little more agreeable . [He]_173-robert stood by [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} 's side in one of the long windows of [the drawing - room]_{467-the drawing - room} , watching the shadows deepening in the sky and the rosy light growing every moment rosier as the sun died out . [He]_173-robert could not help enjoying that quiet tête - a - tête , though the shadow of the next morning 's express which was to carry [him]_173-robert away to [London]_3-london loomed darkly across the pathway of [his]_173-robert joy . [He]_173-robert could not help being happy in [her]_{256-clara talboys} presence ; forgetful of the past , reckless of the future . [They]_8405-they talked of the one subject which was always a bond of union between [them]_8405-they . [They]_8405-they talked of [[her]_{256-clara talboys} lost brother]_{8157-her lost brother} [George]_157-george . [She]_{256-clara talboys} spoke of [him]_157-george in a very melancholy tone this evening . How could [she]_{256-clara talboys} be otherwise than sad , remembering that if [he]_157-george lived — and [she]_{256-clara talboys} was not even sure of that — [he]_157-george was [a lonely wanderer far away from all who loved [him]_157-george , and carrying the memory of a blighted life wherever [he]_157-george went]_{8407-a lonely wanderer far away from all who loved him , and carrying the memory of a blighted life wherever he went} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i can not think how [papa]_188-papa can be so resigned to [[my]_0-i poor brother]_{3024-my poor brother} 's absence , " [she]_{256-clara talboys} said , "_[188-papa] for [he]_188-papa does love [him]_{3024-my poor brother} , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ; even [you]_173-robert must have seen lately that [he]_188-papa does love [him]_{3024-my poor brother} . But [I]_0-i can not think how [he]_{3024-my poor brother} can so quietly submit to [his]_{3024-my poor brother} absence . If [I]_0-i were [a man]_{445-a man} , [I]_0-i would go to [Australia]_11-australia , and find [him]_{3024-my poor brother} , and bring [him]_{3024-my poor brother} back ; if [he]_{3024-my poor brother} was still to be found among [the living]_{6022-the living} , " [she]_{256-clara talboys} added , in a lower voice . [She]_{256-clara talboys} turned [her]_{256-clara talboys} face away from [Robert]_173-robert , and looked out at the darkening sky . [He]_0-i laid [his]_0-i hand upon [her]_{256-clara talboys} arm . It trembled in spite of [him]_0-i , and [his]_0-i voice trembled , too , as [he]_0-i spoke to [her]_{256-clara talboys} . "_[0-i] Shall [I]_0-i go to look for [[your]_0-i brother]_{6374-your brother} ? " [he]_0-i said . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i ! " [She]_{256-clara talboys} turned [her]_{256-clara talboys} head , and looked at [him]_0-i earnestly through [her]_{256-clara talboys} tears . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert ! Do [you]_0-i think that [I]_0-i could ask [you]_0-i to make such a sacrifice for [me]_0-i , or for those [I]_0-i love ? " "_[0-i] And do [you]_0-i think , [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} , that [I]_0-i should think any sacrifice too great a one if it were made for [you]_0-i ? Do [you]_0-i think there is any voyage [I]_0-i would refuse to take , if [I]_0-i knew that [you]_0-i would welcome [me]_0-i when [I]_0-i came [home]_479-home , and thank [me]_0-i for having served [you]_0-i faithfully ? [I]_0-i will go from one end of [the continent of [Australia]_11-australia]_{4598-the continent of australia} to the other to look for [[your]_0-i brother]_{6374-your brother} , if [you]_0-i please , [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} ; and will never return alive unless [I]_0-i bring [him]_{6374-your brother} with [me]_0-i , and will take [my]_0-i chance of what reward [you]_0-i shall give [me]_0-i for [my]_0-i labor . " [Her]_{256-clara talboys} head was bent , and it was some moments before [she]_{256-clara talboys} answered [him]_0-i . "_[0-i] [You]_0-i are very good and generous , [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , " [she]_{256-clara talboys} said , at last , "_[0-i] and [I]_0-i feel this offer too much to be able to thank [you]_0-i for it . But what [you]_0-i speak of could never be . By what right could [I]_0-i accept such a sacrifice ? " "_[0-i] By the right which makes [me]_0-i [[your]_0-i bounden slave]_{4600-your bounden slave} forever and ever , whether [you]_0-i will or no . By right of the love [I]_0-i bear [you]_0-i , [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} , " cried [Mr. Audley]_173-robert , dropping on [his]_0-i knees — rather awkwardly , it must be confessed — and covering a soft little hand , that [he]_0-i had found half hidden among the folds of a silken dress , with passionate kisses . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i love [you]_0-i , [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} , " [he]_0-i said , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i love [you]_0-i . [You]_0-i may call for [[your]_0-i father]_{914-your father} , and have [me]_0-i turned out of [the house]_{388-the house} this moment , if [you]_0-i like ; but [I]_0-i shall go on loving [you]_0-i all the same ; and [I]_0-i shall love [you]_0-i forever and ever , whether [you]_0-i will or no . " The little hand was drawn away from [his]_0-i , but not with a sudden or angry gesture , and it rested for one moment lightly and tremulously upon [his]_0-i dark hair . "_{[256-clara talboys]} [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} , [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} ! " [he]_0-i murmured , in a low , pleading voice , "_{[256-clara talboys]} shall [I]_0-i go to [Australia]_11-australia to look for [[your]_{256-clara talboys} brother]_{6374-your brother} ? " There was no answer . [I]_0-i do n't know how it is , but there is scarcely anything more delicious than silence in such cases . Every moment of hesitation is a tacit avowal ; every pause is a tender confession . "_[0-i] Shall [we]_4604-we both go , [dearest]_3329-dearest ? Shall [we]_4604-we go as [man]_990-man and [wife]_4607-wife ? Shall [we]_4604-we go together , [[my]_0-i dear love]_{3262-my dear love} , and bring [[our]_4604-we brother]_{2525-our brother} back between [us]_4604-we ? " [Mr. Harcourt Talboys]_{239-mr. talboys} , coming into [the lamplit room]_{8408-the lamplit room} a quarter of an hour afterward , found [Robert Audley]_173-robert alone , and had to listen to a revelation which very much surprised [him]_173-robert . Like [all self - sufficient people]_{8409-all self - sufficient people} , [he]_173-robert was tolerably blind to everything that happened under [his]_173-robert nose , and [he]_173-robert had fully believed that [[his]_173-robert own society]_{8410-his own society} , and the Spartan regularity of [[his]_173-robert household]_{8411-his household} , had been the attractions which had made [Dorsetshire]_{76-dorsetshire} delightful to [[his]_173-robert guest]_{8396-his guest} . [He]_173-robert was rather disappointed , therefore ; but [he]_173-robert bore [his]_173-robert disappointment pretty well , and expressed a placid and rather stoical satisfaction at the turn which affairs had taken . So [Robert Audley]_173-robert went back to [London]_3-london , to surrender [[his]_173-robert chambers in [Figtree Court]_{14-figtree court}]_{4142-his chambers in figtree court} , and to make all due inquiries about [such ships as sailed]_{8414-such ships as sailed} from [Liverpool]_6-liverpool for [Sydney]_5-sydney in the month of June . [He]_173-robert had lingered until after luncheon at [Grange Heath]_{83-grange heath} , and it was in the dusky twilight that [he]_173-robert entered [the shady Temple courts]_{8415-the shady temple courts} and found [his]_173-robert way to [[his]_173-robert chambers]_{4865-his chambers} . [He]_173-robert found [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} scrubbing the stairs , as was [her]_{202-mrs. maloney} wo nt upon a Saturday evening , and [he]_173-robert had to make [his]_173-robert way upward amidst an atmosphere of soapy steam , that made the balusters greasy under [his]_173-robert touch . "_[4610-yer] There 's lots of letters , [yer]_4610-yer honor , " [the laundress]_{1316-the laundress} said , as [she]_{1316-the laundress} rose from [her]_{1316-the laundress} knees and flattened [herself]_{1316-the laundress} against the wall to enable [Robert]_173-robert to pass [her]_{1316-the laundress} , "_[4610-yer] and there 's some parcels , and there 's [a gentleman which has called ever so many times , and is waitin ' to - night]_{4611-a gentleman which has called ever so many times , and is waitin ' to - night} , for [I]_0-i towld [him]_{4611-a gentleman which has called ever so many times , and is waitin ' to - night} [you]_4610-yer 'd written to [me]_0-i to say [[your]_4610-yer rooms]_{4612-your rooms} were to be aired . " [He]_173-robert opened the door of [[his]_173-robert sitting - room]_{1975-his sitting - room} , and walked in . [The canaries]_{1964-the canaries} were singing [their]_{1964-the canaries} farewell to the setting sun , and the faint , yellow light was flickering upon the geranium leaves . [The visitor]_{396-the visitor} , whoever [he]_{396-the visitor} was , sat with [his]_{396-the visitor} back to the window and [his]_{396-the visitor} head bent upon [his]_{396-the visitor} breast . But [he]_{396-the visitor} started up as [Robert Audley]_173-robert entered [the room]_{595-the room} , and [the young man]_{667-the young man} uttered a great cry of delight and surprise , and opened [his]_173-robert arms to [[his]_173-robert lost friend]_{2029-his lost friend} , [George Talboys]_157-george . [We]_8424-we know how much [Robert]_173-robert had to tell . [He]_173-robert touched lightly and tenderly upon that subject which [he]_173-robert knew was cruelly painful to [[his]_173-robert friends]_{4853-his friends} ; [he]_173-robert said very little of [the wretched woman who was wearing out the remnant of [her]_{8426-the wretched woman who was wearing out the remnant of her wicked life in the quiet suburb of the forgotten belgian city} wicked life in [the quiet suburb of [the forgotten Belgian city]_{8428-the forgotten belgian city}]_{8427-the quiet suburb of the forgotten belgian city}]_{8426-the wretched woman who was wearing out the remnant of her wicked life in the quiet suburb of the forgotten belgian city} . [George Talboys]_157-george spoke very briefly of that sunny seventh of September , upon which [he]_157-george had left [[his]_157-george friend]_{4909-his friend} sleeping by [the trout stream]_{1241-the trout stream} while [he]_157-george went to accuse [[his]_157-george false wife]_{8431-his false wife} of that conspiracy which had well nigh broken [his]_157-george heart . "_[4610-yer] God knows that from the moment in which [I]_0-i sunk into [the black pit]_{4613-the black pit} , knowing the treacherous hand that had sent [me]_0-i to what might have been [my]_0-i death , [my]_0-i chief thought was of the safety of [the woman who had betrayed [me]_0-i]_{4614-the woman who had betrayed me} . [I]_0-i fell upon [my]_0-i feet upon a mass of slush and mire , but [my]_0-i shoulder was bruised , and [my]_0-i arm broken against the side of the well . [I]_0-i was stunned and dazed for a few minutes , but [I]_0-i roused [myself]_0-i by an effort , for [I]_0-i felt that the atmosphere [I]_0-i breathed was deadly . [I]_0-i had [my]_0-i Australian experiences to help [me]_0-i in [my]_0-i peril ; [I]_0-i could climb like a cat . [The stones of which [the well]_{7068-the well} was built]_{4615-the stones of which the well was built} were rugged and irregular , and [I]_0-i was able to work [my]_0-i way upward by planting [my]_0-i feet in the interstices of the stones , and resting [my]_0-i back at times against the opposite side of the well , helping [myself]_0-i as well as [I]_0-i could with [my]_0-i hands , though one arm was crippled . It was hard work , [Bob]_174-bob , and it seems strange that [a man who had long professed [himself]_{4617-a man who had long professed himself weary of his life} weary of [his]_{4617-a man who had long professed himself weary of his life} life]_{4617-a man who had long professed himself weary of his life} , should take so much trouble to preserve it . [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i must have been working upward of half an hour before [I]_0-i got to the top ; [I]_0-i know the time seemed an eternity of pain and peril . It was impossible for [me]_0-i to leave [the place]_{385-the place} until after dark without being observed , so [I]_0-i hid [myself]_0-i behind a clump of laurel - bushes , and lay down on the grass faint and exhausted to wait for nightfall . [The man who found [me]_0-i there]_{4619-the man who found me there} told [you]_174-bob the rest . [Robert]_173-robert . " "_[173-robert] Yes , [[my]_0-i poor old friend.—yes]_{4620-my poor old friend.—yes} , [he]_173-robert told [me]_0-i all . " [George]_157-george had never returned to [Australia]_11-australia after all . [He]_157-george had gone on board [the Victoria Regia]_{48-the victoria regia} , but had afterward changed [his]_157-george berth for one in [another vessel belonging to [the same owners]_{8433-the same owners}]_{8432-another vessel belonging to the same owners} , and had gone to [New York]_{141-new york} , where [he]_157-george had stayed as long as [he]_157-george could endure the loneliness of an existence which separated [him]_157-george from [every friend [he]_157-george had ever known]_{8434-every friend he had ever known} . "_[173-robert] [Jonathan]_310-jonathan was very kind to [me]_0-i , [Bob]_174-bob , " [he]_0-i said ; "_{[310-jonathan]} [I]_0-i had enough money to enable [me]_0-i to get on pretty well in [my]_0-i own quiet way and [I]_0-i meant to have started for [the California gold fields]_{4621-the california gold fields} to get more when that was gone . [I]_0-i might have made plenty of [friends]_1050-friends had [I]_0-i pleased , but [I]_0-i carried the old bullet in [my]_0-i breast ; and what sympathy could [I]_0-i have with [men who knew nothing of [my]_0-i grief]_{4623-men who knew nothing of my grief} ? [I]_0-i yearned for the strong grasp of [your]_174-bob hand , [Bob]_174-bob ; the friendly touch of the hand which had guided [me]_0-i through the darkest passage of [my]_0-i life . " Two years have passed since the May twilight in which [Robert]_173-robert found [[his]_173-robert old friend]_{4944-his old friend} ; and [Mr. Audley]_173-robert 's dream of [a fairy cottage]_{8436-a fairy cottage} has been realized between [Teddington Locks]_{142-teddington locks} and [Hampton Bridge]_{143-hampton bridge} , where , amid [a little forest of foliage]_{8437-a little forest of foliage} , there is [a fantastical dwelling place of rustic woodwork]_{8438-a fantastical dwelling place of rustic woodwork} , whose latticed windows look out upon [the river]_{8389-the river} . Here , among the lilies and the rushes on [the sloping bank]_{8440-the sloping bank} , [a brave boy of eight years old]_{8441-a brave boy of eight years old} plays with [a toddling baby]_{8442-a toddling baby} , who peers wonderingly from [[his]_{8441-a brave boy of eight years old} nurse]_{8443-his nurse} 's arms at that other baby in [the purple depth of [the quiet water]_{8445-the quiet water}]_{8444-the purple depth of the quiet water} . [Mr. Audley]_173-robert is [a rising man upon the home circuit]_{8446-a rising man upon the home circuit} by this time , and has distinguished [himself]_173-robert in the great breach of promise case of [Hobbs v. Nobbs]_{366-hobbs v. nobbs} , and has convulsed [the court]_{373-the court} by [his]_173-robert deliciously comic rendering of the faithless [Nobb]_367-nobb 's amatory correspondence . [The handsome dark - eyed boy]_{8448-the handsome dark - eyed boy} is [Master George Talboys]_157-george , who declines musa at [Eton]_21-eton , and fishes for tadpoles in the clear water under the spreading umbrage beyond [the ivied walls of [the academy]_{8450-the academy}]_{8449-the ivied walls of the academy} . But [he]_{8448-the handsome dark - eyed boy} comes very often to [the fairy cottage]_{8451-the fairy cottage} to see [[[his]_{8448-the handsome dark - eyed boy} father]_{709-his father} , who lives there with [[his]_{709-his father} sister]_{6265-his sister} and [[his]_{709-his father} sister 's husband]_{8455-his sister 's husband}]_{8453-his father , who lives there with his sister and his sister 's husband} ; and [he]_{8448-the handsome dark - eyed boy} is very happy with [[his]_{8448-the handsome dark - eyed boy} Uncle]_{4872-his uncle} [Robert]_173-robert , [his]_{8448-the handsome dark - eyed boy} Aunt [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} , and [the pretty baby who has just begun to toddle on the smooth lawn that slopes down to [the water]_{403-the water} 's brink , upon which there is [a little Swiss boat - house and landing - stage where [Robert]_173-robert and [George]_157-george moor [their]_{8459-a little swiss boat - house and landing - stage where robert and george moor their slender wherries} slender wherries]_{8459-a little swiss boat - house and landing - stage where robert and george moor their slender wherries}]_{8457-the pretty baby who has just begun to toddle on the smooth lawn that slopes down to the water 's brink , upon which there is a little swiss boat - house and landing - stage where robert and george moor their slender wherries} . [Other people]_{1822-other people} come to [the cottage near [Teddington]_{144-teddington}]_{8461-the cottage near teddington} . [A bright , merry - hearted girl]_{8462-a bright , merry - hearted girl} , and [a gray - bearded gentleman , who has survived the trouble of [his]_{8463-a gray - bearded gentleman , who has survived the trouble of his life , and battled with it as a christian should} life , and battled with it as [a Christian should]_{8464-a christian should}]_{8463-a gray - bearded gentleman , who has survived the trouble of his life , and battled with it as a christian should} . It is more than a year since a black - edged letter , written upon foreign paper , came to [Robert Audley]_173-robert , to announce the death of [a certain [Madame Taylor]_{352-madame taylor} , who had expired peacefully at [Villebrumeuse]_{124-villebrumeuse} , dying after a long illness , which [Monsieur Val]_{348-monsieur val} describes as [a maladie de langueur]_{8466-a maladie de langueur}]_{8465-a certain madame taylor , who had expired peacefully at villebrumeuse , dying after a long illness , which monsieur val describes as a maladie de langueur} . [Another visitor]_{8467-another visitor} comes to [the cottage]_{5055-the cottage} in this bright summer of 1861 — [a frank , generous hearted young man]_{8469-a frank , generous hearted young man} , who tosses [the baby]_{4729-the baby} and plays with [Georgey]_187-georgey , and is especially great in the management of [the boats]_{8471-the boats} , which are never idle when [Sir Harry Towers]_{214-sir harry towers} is at [Teddington]_{144-teddington} . There is [a pretty rustic smoking - room]_{8472-a pretty rustic smoking - room} over [the Swiss boat - house]_{8473-the swiss boat - house} , in which [the gentlemen]_{8474-the gentlemen} sit and smoke in the summer evenings , and whence [they]_{8474-the gentlemen} are summoned by [Clara]_{256-clara talboys} and [Alicia]_149-alicia to drink tea , and eat strawberries and cream upon [the lawn]_{5405-the lawn} . [Audley Court]_{1-audley court} is shut up , and [a grim old housekeeper]_{8476-a grim old housekeeper} reigns paramount in [the mansion which [[my]_{4624-the righteous} lady]_{468-my lady} 's ringing laughter once made musical]_{8477-the mansion which my lady 's ringing laughter once made musical} . A curtain hangs before the pre - Raphaelite portrait ; and the blue mold which [artists dread]_{8479-artists dread} gathers upon [the Wouvermans]_{171-wouvermans} and [Poussins]_275-poussins , [the Cuyps and Tintorettis]_{8480-the cuyps and tintorettis} . [The house]_{388-the house} is often shown to [inquisitive visitors]_{8482-inquisitive visitors} , though [the baronet]_{465-the baronet} is not informed of that fact , and [people]_572-people admire [[[my]_{4624-the righteous} lady]_{468-my lady} 's rooms]_{4811-my lady 's rooms} , and ask many questions about [the pretty , fair - haired woman who died abroad]_{8487-the pretty , fair - haired woman who died abroad} . [Sir Michael]_{146-sir michael} has no fancy to return to [the familiar dwelling - place in which [he]_{146-sir michael} once dreamed a brief dream of impossible happiness]_{8488-the familiar dwelling - place in which he once dreamed a brief dream of impossible happiness} . [He]_{146-sir michael} remains in [London]_3-london until [Alicia]_149-alicia shall be [Lady Towers]_{218-lady towers} , when [he]_{146-sir michael} is to remove to [a house [he]_{146-sir michael} has lately bought in [Hertfordshire]_{63-hertfordshire}]_{8489-a house he has lately bought in hertfordshire} , on the borders of [[[his]_{146-sir michael} son - in - law]_{5041-his son - in - law} 's estate]_{8491-his son - in - law 's estate} . [George Talboys]_157-george is very happy with [[his]_157-george sister]_{6265-his sister} and [[his]_157-george old friend]_{4944-his old friend} . [He]_157-george is [a young man]_{4958-a young man} yet , remember , and it is not quite impossible that [he]_157-george may , by - and - by , find [some one who will console [him]_157-george for the past]_{8495-some one who will console him for the past} . That dark story of the past fades little by little every day , and there may come a time in which the shadow [[my]_{4624-the righteous} lady]_{468-my lady} 's wickedness has cast upon [the young man]_{667-the young man} 's life will utterly vanish away . The meerschaum and the French novels have been presented to [a young Templar with whom [Robert Audley]_173-robert had been friendly in [his]_173-robert bachelor days]_{8498-a young templar with whom robert audley had been friendly in his bachelor days} ; and [Mrs. Maloney]_{202-mrs. maloney} has a little pension , paid [her]_{202-mrs. maloney} quarterly , for [her]_{202-mrs. maloney} care of the canaries and geraniums . [I]_{4624-the righteous} hope [no one]_{507-no one} will take objection to [my]_{4624-the righteous} story because the end of it leaves [the good people]_{8500-the good people} all happy and at peace . If [my]_{4624-the righteous} experience of life has not been very long , it has at least been manifold ; and [I]_{4624-the righteous} can safely subscribe to that which [a mighty king]_{8501-a mighty king} and [a great philosopher]_{8502-a great philosopher} declared , when [he]_{4624-the righteous} said , that neither the experience of [his]_{4624-the righteous} youth nor of [his]_{4624-the righteous} age had ever shown [him]_{4624-the righteous} "_{[4624-the righteous]} [the righteous]_{4624-the righteous} forsaken , nor [his]_{4624-the righteous} seed begging [their]_4625-their bread . "